A paradigm shift in AUV capabilities –Boeing’s Echo Voyager XLUUV

摘要

The need to conduct meaningful missions in a wide range of environments in the maritime domain is driving demand for increased Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) range, persistence and payload capability. Further, operations in contested environments require UUVs that can operate at long range for extended periods with the ability to self-deploy and conduct host independent operations.rnThis paper describes the Boeing Echo Voyager Extra Large UUV (XLUUV) development history and high-level concept of operations. Echo Voyager provides the necessary range, payload and persistence to successfully operate in the Asia Pacific region. As a complementary capability to manned submarines, surface, and maritime patrol assets, Echo Voyager has the flexibility to conduct Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) / Unmanned-Unmanned Teaming (UMUM-T) operations and this paper will outline some of the potential benefits.