The new UUV named “Long Endurance UUV” is an experimental XLUUV which was first unveiled during DSEI Japan 2023. The UUV was build by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI) and it is being developed by the Naval Systems Research Center, one of the sections of ATLA. As Japan faces an aging society with a declining birthrate, it will become increasingly difficult to operate manned equipment. In particular, it will be difficult to train crews for submarines, and it may become difficult to maintain the number of vessels. Therefore, Japan is currently accelerating research and development of UUVs as a future complement to underwater defense capability.
The UUV is modular, consisting of a “head section” that carries the control system, an “energy section” that carries the power source, and a “tail section” that carries the propulsion system. This is the basic configuration, and additional payload modules that can carry a variety of equipment can be combined to perform a variety of missions.
As the name “long endurance” implies, this UUV is intended to operate autonomously over a long period of time, and currently in its basic configuration (10 meters in length) has achieved a week of continuous operation at 3 to 4 knots. However, this is only a milestone, and ATLA is aiming to achieve even longer continuous operation. The UUV is powered by lithium-ion batteries, but ATLA is currently considering the use of liquid/solid fuel batteries, AIP and/or diesel-electric engines in order to achieve a longer cruising range.
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- With due repect, I wish they can commuincate beter for great products they are representing. Japan’s future depends on it.
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