As part of the partnership between Boeing and the U.S. Navy, the Orca XLUUV has undergone several phases of at-sea testing, including above and below-surface maneuvers to demonstrate the vehicles’ unique capabilities.
Though known as a « killer whale, » the orca (Orcinus orca) is actually the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. Yet, it is still an apex predator that will hunt a variety of fish, sharks, seals, and even whales.
It is thus fitting that the U.S. Navy has designated Boeing’s Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) as an « Orca. » It was just this month that the aerospace and defense giant delivered the first of the new class of autonomous submarines following the completion of its acceptance testing.
Pour en savoir plus : Boeing Delivered Its Special Orca Drone Submarine to the U.S. Navy