IAI's new XLUUV Blue Whale has been operating in the Med. since May 2023. It's first publicly announce operation is ongoing right now with NATO forces. This unmanned submersible has a low frequency towed array for long range detection of submarines, a surface search radar, electro-optical sensor on the mast, high data rate communication antennas, flank sonar arrays (not installed in this photo), and mine detection sonar.
This is a total intelligence gathering package, acoustic, visual, electro magnetic spectrum capable that has very long endurance (weeks) and completely autonomous with HMI (Human-Machine Interface) remote instruction available but not necessary.
This is the most advanced XLUUV operational today. This is the new standard in XLUUVs.
Neven Jereb
2023-09-28 12:36:38 +0000 UTC