Royal Navy Unveils Its First XLUUV

The Royal Navy has formally named its first extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) XV Excalibur at a ceremony at HMNB Devonport.

The 19-tonne drone vessel, 12 metres long and 2.2 metres wide, is thought to be the largest uncrewed sub being trialled by any European navy to date.

XV Excalibur is the result of a three-year initiative, Project Cetus; as per a recent Royal Navy press statement, the drone sub is now set to embark on a two-year programme of sea trials to help pave the way for future crewed/uncrewed collaboration in the underwater battlespace.

The statement noted: “It will help develop a better understanding of the unique challenges that come with operating uncrewed vessels of this size — with the aim of future vessels working alongside crewed platforms.”

Built by Plymouth-based firm MSubs, XV Excalibur was unveiled this week in front of 200 a mix of VIP guests including Rear Admiral James Parkin, Navy Director Develop, and representatives from AUKUS nations, as well as trainees from across the navy and Cadets.

Commodore Marcus Rose, deputy director Underwater Battlespace Capability, said: “The naming of Excalibur is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy and the upcoming sea trials will allow us to rapidly develop our understanding of operating uncrewed vessels of this size underwater.

“The lessons learnt from this exciting programme will build on our experience from existing programmes, such as the Mine Hunting Capability programme, to inform more extensive use of these technologies in a mixed force of crewed and uncrewed systems.

“Successful delivery of this programme is testament to what can be achieved in collaboration with our industrial partners.”

Rear Admiral Parkin observed: “In our journey towards autonomy and mass, it is vital we learn by doing, and Excalibur will be our mechanism for understanding the complexity and challenges of operating a future team of crewed and uncrewed vessels and systems underwater.”

XV Excalibur will be used as a demonstrator vessel rather than operationally; it will join the recently created Fleet Experimentation Squadron — including surface ship XV Patrick Blackett — under the auspices of the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office.

The XLUUV will be used as a testing platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and stealth capabilities, exploiting its ability to carry a variety of bespoke payloads.

• You can read more details about the launch of XV Excalibur on the Royal Navy website