The Boeing XLUUV (Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle) “Orca” is a first-of-type, autonomous submarine delivering extreme endurance, capacity and autonomy for the U.S. Navy. As the largest UUV, Orca enables monthslong, long‑range missions and diverse undersea operations — from open‑ocean transit to seabed mooring — expanding strategic and tactical options previously unattainable. Its modular, high‑volume payload bay supports a wide spectrum of mission payloads, while Boeing’s decades of deep‑sea systems expertise ensures reliable performance. No comparable platform exists today.
Limitless mission options, unbounded reach
Capabilities and Features
Extreme range and duration enable monthslong missions with minimal human touch.
Extended range
XLUUV delivers up to 6,500 nautical miles (12,038 kilometers) of range, supporting sustained, long‑endurance operations previously unattainable by smaller UUVs.
Open‑ocean and seabed operations
Capable of reliable open‑ocean transit, bottom following and long‑duration moored seabed missions, expanding tactical and strategic employment.
A transformative, high‑volume payload bay built for maximum mission flexibility.
Modular payload volume
A 34‑foot (10.4-meter) modular payload section provides unprecedented internal volume for diverse mission systems and can be removed for mission tailoring.
Expanded payload capacity
The payload bay supports up to 8 tons (dry), equivalent to nine medium-sized UUVs (21-inch diameter) or 48 small UUVs (12.8-inch diameter) — enabling consolidation of mission packages into a single platform.
Adaptable interfaces and integration
Built‑in structural mounts, power and data interfaces simplify integration and rapid reconfiguration of sensors, communications and mission modules.
Multimission design allows rapid role changes across the undersea battlespace.
Multimission employment
Orca adapts to seabed warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; persistent presence; and expeditionary support — enabling a near‑limitless spectrum of payloads and missions.
Host‑ship independence
Designed for pier-side launch and recovery without a dedicated support vessel, increasing deployment flexibility and reducing logistics burden.
Force‑level impact
As the largest UUV class, XLUUV provides unique combinations of range, volume and endurance — redefining options for undersea and seabed warfare.
Advanced autonomy and proven navigation enable confident, low‑touch operations.
Autonomous operations
Advanced autonomy allows XLUUV to execute complex missions in clear and congested waters without physical human contact.
Proven navigation suite
A Kalman‑filtered Inertial Navigation Unit, supported by Doppler Velocity Logs and depth sensors, provides superior directional accuracy for long‑range and seabed operations.
Powerful design and propulsion
At 51 feet (15.5 meters) overall with a hybrid propulsion system (battery technology plus marine diesel generators), XLUUV balances endurance, energy capacity and mission adaptability.
