The underwater battlespace is rapidly evolving, and BAE Systems is at the forefront with the groundbreaking Herne XLAUV (Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle). Designed in collaboration with Canadian company Cellula Robotics, Herne is a versatile and scalable solution to tackle the complexities of underwater missions, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to anti-submarine warfare (ASW). With its adaptability and advanced technology, this autonomous submarine is set to redefine the future of autonomous underwater operations.
Transforming the Underwater Domain
Herne is a cost-effective, autonomous vehicle designed to assist militaries in:
- Monitoring and safeguarding underwater infrastructure across vast seabed areas.
- Conducting covert surveillance missions.
- Supporting anti-submarine warfare.
Equipped with Nautomate, a platform-agnostic, high-specification control system, Herne offers unparalleled autonomy. This system reduces dependence on human crews, keeping personnel out of harm’s way while enhancing operational endurance. Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Services, highlights the value of this XLAUV:
“Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace. It provides a cost-effective autonomous capability allowing for a wide range of missions, eliminating reliance on crewed platforms and boosting endurance.”
Key Features of Herne XLAUV
Extended Endurance for Prolonged Missions
Unlike crewed vessels, this XLAUV does not require life support systems or regular resupply. Its current lithium-ion battery configuration offers a few days of operational endurance. For longer missions, hydrogen fuel cell technology, being developed by Cellula Robotics, will enable Herne to travel up to 5,000 km at 3 nautical miles per hour.
Modular Design for Scalability
Herne boasts a modular structure, with payload bays that can be swapped in under 90 minutes. With two compartments evenly divided in this XLAUV, each payload bay offers 5,000 liters of space, split between the front and rear sections, ensuring flexibility for various mission requirements.
Open Architecture for Future Upgrades
With an open architecture, Herne can seamlessly integrate new technologies or mission-specific plug-ins. Recent demonstrations included:
- Goal-based mission autonomy: Rerouting to avoid drag net hazards.
- Machine vision: Classifying ships using high-definition camera imagery.
- Track-and-follow: Shadowing targets, such as rigid inflatable boats.
Collaborative Development of Herne: From Concept to Water in 11 Months
XLAUV demonstrator is developed in record time. The collaboration between BAE Systems and Cellula Robotics delivered a fully functional prototype within 11 months. This rapid development highlights BAE Systems’ ability to bring cutting-edge autonomous capabilities to market swiftly.
Recent Demonstrations of Excellence
Earlier this month, Herne showcased its prowess during an ISR mission. The vehicle conducted a covert harbor entry, navigated autonomously, and collected video using a raised sensor mast. It also successfully identified a hostile target and shared ISR data securely.
Expanding Capabilities for Future Missions
BAE Systems is continuously refining this XLAUV to meet evolving customer requirements. Planned advancements include:
- ASW Payloads: Incorporating thin-line passive towed arrays and enabling Herne to operate in multistatic ASW environments.
- Electronic Warfare (EW): Adding active payloads for signal interception, deception, jamming, or spoofing.
- Seabed Warfare: Investigating capabilities to deploy remotely operated vehicles for critical infrastructure protection at depth.
Enhanced Usability
Further improvements will focus on usability aspects such as:
- Streamlined launch and recovery systems.
- Efficient in-service maintenance.
- Comprehensive through-life support.
Herne XLAUV: Driving the Future of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
BAE Systems aims to launch the initial market-ready version of Herne XLAUV by mid-2026. This timeline reflects the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower military forces to operate with greater scale, endurance, and persistence.
The introduction of Herne marks a significant step forward in autonomous maritime technology. Its ability to integrate with existing naval platforms, coupled with its modular and scalable design, makes it a versatile tool for diverse military and security operations.
Ready to Dive into the Future
This extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle represents a monumental leap in autonomous underwater capabilities. By offering unmatched endurance, adaptability, and cost-efficiency, it is set to revolutionize underwater missions for years to come. As BAE Systems continues to refine and enhance this cutting-edge technology, this autonomous submarine is poised to become an indispensable asset in underwater operations.
As militaries face increasing challenges in the underwater domain, Herne provides a reliable, scalable, and sustainable alternative to traditional crewed vessels. Whether it’s safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure or conducting covert operations, this extra-large autonomous submarine ensures unparalleled performance in the harshest environments.
