Japanese Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has revealed its XLUUV prototype.
Yoshihiro Inaba photographed the prototype of the large-sized UUV for Naval News in the ATLA IWAKUNI Maritime Environment Test & Evaluation Satellite (IMETS). The XLUUV can be traced back to DSEI 2023 when the project was unveiled.
The main goal of developing the XLUUV can be described as supporting the underwater fleet with low-cost and long-endurance platforms. The XLUUV is projected to carry out various missions, including ISR, communications, and oceanographic surveys.
A sensor suite for navigation and detection, including INS, Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), and sonars, is being developed for autonomous operation.
The XLUUV's propulsion is currently powered by lithium-ion batteries, but ATLA wants to switch to AIP or diesel-electric propulsion to enhance endurance.
This prototype is considered a test bed for developing different technologies in the UUV area to serve the government and private sectors.
Large-sized UUVs have considerable potential for early warning and defence against intrusions in the military sector with the advantages of no crew and lower operating costs compared to full-sized submarines. In the civilian sector, deep-diving and long-endurance capabilities can contribute to underwater exploration.
Japan Reveals XLUUV Prototype
