Defence Industry

Underwater Launch of UAV
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Issue Net Edition | Date : 04 Mar , 2014

Deployed from the submerged submarine USS Providence, the NRL developed XFC unmanned aircraft is vertically launched from a ‘Sea Robin’ launch vehicle (bottom right). The folding wing UA S autonomously deploys its X-wing airfoil and after achieving a marginal altitude, assumes horizontal flight configuration

As per the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), on December 05, 2013, the US Navy demonstrated the ability to launch Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from a submarine while underwater. In the demonstration, a fuel cell-powered, all-electric Experimental Fuel Cell (XFC) UAV was launched from an underwater submarine’s torpedo tube using a Sea Robin launch vehicle system. NRL is developing the technology to give sailors increased maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The Sea Robin launch system is designed to fit within a Tomahawk launch canister which is used for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines. The XFC was integrated with the Sea Robin as it left the submerged submarine and travelled to the ocean surface. A Providence commanding officer then used a ground control station to launch the XFC from the Sea Robin to fly a mission demonstrating live video surveillance capabilities streamed back to Providence and surface support vessels.

“This six-year effort represents the best in collaboration of a Navy laboratory and industry to produce a technology that meets the needs of the Special Operations community,” said Dr. Warren Schultz, Program Developer and Manager, NRL.

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