BAE Systems, the British defense giant, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in underwater military technology with the successful trial of Herne, an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV). Conducted off the southern coast of England earlier this month, the trials showcased Herne’s cutting-edge capabilities, signaling a new era for unmanned underwater operations.
A New Underwater Powerhouse: Herne’s Role and Features
Herne is designed to redefine military underwater operations with a versatile suite of capabilities:
- Mission Scope: Protecting underwater infrastructure, supporting anti-submarine warfare, and conducting covert surveillance across vast seabed areas.
- Autonomous Operations: Herne executed a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission, powered by BAE Systems’ advanced Nautomate control system.
- Endurance and Efficiency: With no need for resupply or life-support systems, Herne offers extended mission endurance in challenging environments, freeing personnel for higher-value tasks.
“This is a game changer in the underwater battlespace,” said Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business. “Herne provides a cost-effective, autonomous solution for a wide range of missions, reducing reliance on crewed platforms and keeping personnel out of harm’s way.”
Nautomate: The Brain Behind Herne
The Nautomate control system, previously proven during surface vessel trials, lies at the heart of Herne’s autonomy. Its features include:
- Seamless Integration: The system can be fitted to both existing and newly built vessels.
- Operational Flexibility: Enables unmanned missions in difficult and contested environments.
- Scalability: Supports future upgrades and integrations as technologies and operational needs evolve.
A Modular, Future-Ready Design
One of Herne’s standout features is its open architecture design, ensuring adaptability and future-proofing:
- Modular Upgrades: Allows for the integration of new technologies and mission-specific tools.
- Collaborative Development: Herne was developed in partnership with Canadian company Cellula Robotics, moving from concept to demonstrator trials in just 11 months.
Strategic Advantages for Military Operations
Herne’s deployment represents a major leap forward in autonomous underwater capabilities:
- Cost-Effective Defense: Reduces dependence on crewed platforms, cutting operational costs.
- Enhanced Safety: Keeps personnel out of high-risk environments.
- Force Multiplier: Enables sustained, high-endurance missions that would challenge traditional submarines.
- Wider Operational Reach: Supports a variety of critical missions, from surveillance to infrastructure protection.
Implications for Future Naval Warfare
Herne’s successful trials underscore a shift in underwater defense strategies, where autonomous systems play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks. By leveraging advanced technologies like Nautomate, BAE Systems positions itself as a leader in the development of unmanned maritime platforms.
This achievement highlights the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats and mission demands. With its versatile capabilities, Herne is set to become a cornerstone of future naval defense strategies.
BAE Systems’ rapid development timeline and successful trials demonstrate the transformative potential of autonomous technology in reshaping the underwater battlespace.
