A large unmanned undersea vehicle (LUUV or XLUUV) is a large unmanned underwater vehicle. They're a class of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that are significantly larger than traditional AUVs, which are typically used for tasks like surveying or mine countermeasures. Unlike smaller AUVs, XLUUVs are designed to operate for extended periods and carry larger payloads over vast distances without direct human control.
XLUUVs are characterized by their size and endurance. While there's no official standard for what constitutes "extra-large," these vehicles are generally over 10 m (32 ft 10 in) in length. This allows them to carry a variety of payloads, including sensors, weapons, or other robotic systems. Their long endurance, often measured in months, is achieved through efficient hull designs, advanced propulsion systems, and large battery or fuel cell power sources.
The primary purpose of XLUUVs is to operate in environments that are too dangerous or difficult for manned submarines. Their key applications include:
The development of XLUUVs is a key area of research for navies around the world, particularly as they seek to expand their undersea capabilities with autonomous and cost-effective platforms.