Skip to content
theregister·

🛡️Excalibur Submarine Fires Mk 48 Torpedo for First Time

Autonomous subs just got a lot more lethal

TL;DR

The Excalibur, a 12-meter autonomous submarine, successfully fired a Mk 48 torpedo as part of the AUKUS program. This marks the first torpedo launch from an underwater drone, setting new standards for autonomous naval warfare.

The Excalibur, a 12-meter autonomous submarine, fired a Mk 48 torpedo for the first time as part of the AUKUS program. This marks a significant milestone in autonomous naval warfare. The Excalibur navigated autonomously to its launch position and carried out a pre-programmed launch sequence, showcasing the potential for unmanned systems to handle complex military operations. The test firing was the first of its kind for the US and UK, demonstrating the capability of underwater drones to carry out critical military tasks without human intervention. The Excalibur is part of Project CETUS and is expected to inform requirements for future UUVs that the Royal Navy wants to help patrol the North Atlantic.

Excalibur Submarine Fires Mk 48 Torpedo for First Time — theregister

Key Points

1

The Excalibur submarine, 12 meters long, fired a Mk 48 torpedo as part of the AUKUS program.

2

The torpedo launch was the first of its kind for the US and UK, marking a significant milestone.

3

The Excalibur navigated autonomously to its launch position and carried out a pre-programmed sequence.

4

The submarine is part of Project CETUS, a joint development by the US and Australia.

5

MSubs Ltd received a £6.7 million contract for the next phase of trials and evaluations.

Why It Matters

The Excalibur's successful torpedo launch sets new standards for autonomous naval warfare. If you're involved in military technology or autonomous systems, this is a game-changer. The test firing demonstrates the potential for unmanned systems to handle complex military tasks, paving the way for future UUVs to patrol critical maritime areas.

autonomous submarinesAUKUSnaval warfaremilitary technologyProject CETUS

Comments

Subscribe to join the conversation...

Be the first to comment

Enjoyed this article?

Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.

Join 3,487 builders reading daily.

Also get