BAE Systems has made significant strides in the field of military marine technology with the successful demonstration of “Herne,” an advanced extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV). This cutting-edge vessel is specially designed to serve multiple military functions, including the monitoring and protection of underwater infrastructure, supporting anti-submarine warfare operations, and conducting covert surveillance missions.
At the heart of Herne’s technological prowess is Nautomate, BAE’s sophisticated autonomous military control system engineered for both naval surface and subsurface vehicles. This system enhances the vehicle’s operational capabilities and enables it to perform complex missions without human intervention, thereby minimizing risk and maximizing effectiveness.
In a collaborative effort, BAE Systems partnered with Canadian firm Cellula Robotics to develop the demonstrator configuration of Herne. The partnership has proven to be efficient, allowing the project to advance from initial concept through to deployment and testing in just 11 months.
“Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace,” remarked Scott Jamieson, Managing Director for Maritime Services at BAE Systems. He emphasized the impact of this technology on military operations by stating that it offers customers a cost-effective, autonomous solution capable of executing a wide range of missions. The vessel serves to reduce reliance on manned platforms, which in turn keeps personnel safe and enhances operational endurance.
Following the successful demonstration, the XLAUV is slated for additional trials tailored to meet specific customer requirements, allowing for further refinement and optimization of its capabilities.
The Nautomate technology has been tested on the Herne XLAUV after demonstrating effectiveness on a surface vessel earlier in the year. This powerful system can be integrated into both new and existing platforms, enabling autonomous functions that are particularly vital for high-risk missions. The technology is vessel-agnostic, boasting an open architecture that accommodates a wide range of vessels, from 6 meters (20 feet) to 50 meters (164 feet) in length.
Nautomate’s versatility allows it to undertake various missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, maritime security, and anti-submarine operations. Furthermore, the system facilitates diverse payload integrations, such as remotely operated weapon systems, non-lethal vessel arrest technologies, 360-degree panoramic cameras, pan-tilt surveillance equipment, and signal intelligence units. These features collectively enhance the operational capabilities of the XLAUV, making it a formidable asset in modern naval warfare.
As BAE Systems continues to innovate in the domain of autonomous maritime technology, the Herne XLAUV stands as a testament to the potential of autonomous systems to reshape underwater military strategies and operations.
