Naval Group Reveal XLUUV Demonstrator
Described as an 'Oceanic Underwater Drone Demonstrator', French defense giant Naval Group's entry into the XLUUV arena is impressive. The innovative design uses sleek whale-like lines, reminiscent of the SMX-31 concept.
According to an interview with Naval News, the vessel was designed 2016-2018 as a Naval Group initiative. Construction was from 2018, leading to sea trials in November 2020. This places it on a similar overall timeline to the Royal Navy's Manta program. The project is not currently backed by the French Navy (Marine Nationale) however.
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The craft can undertake ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) missions. For this it has a comparatively large sonar and a retractable telescopic optronic / radar mast. Missions could include close observation of a hostile coast to improve situational awareness of a mother ship.
In future the craft could be fitted with a payload, such as torpedoes or nines. It could also be doubled in length, from ~10m long to ~20m, to increase endurance. This could involve more batteries, or AIP (air independent power). Naval Group has fuel cell AIP technology which logically could be scaled down to the XLUUV size.
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Specifications
Length: ~10 meters (33 ft), up to 20 meters (66 ft) with additional power options
Displacement: ~10 tons
Speed: 16 kt (max), 6 kt (cruise)
Armament: None. Possible future integration of torpedoes, mines...
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