Tech start-ups, innovators and academics are being offered the chance to showcase and test their novel sensor and payload technology on the Royal Navy’s first extra large autonomous test submarine.

The project offers a unique opportunity to undertake at-sea testing and trials of industry and academia innovative prototype technology on the pioneering Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) developed by MSubs Ltd through the first stage of the Developing the Royal Navy’s Autonomous Underwater Capability programme with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

MOD will supply and support the XLUUV to allow for technology to be fitted and integrated, trials to be planned and carried out, and equipment removal. In addition, up to £20k will be made available to innovators who are selected for this opportunity to cover travel and subsistence costs.

The XLUUV will be made available to test on-board systems, sensors and payloads required to support a range of scenarios to help develop the Royal Navy’s understanding of the utility and operational boundaries of
uncrewed underwater vehicle systems.
Full scope and examples of sensor and enabling capabilities we are interested in can be found in the competition document.

The testing is not intended at this point to lead to a procurement of sensors or payloads.

The main aim of this activity is to help the Royal Navy shape future requirements and design future capabilities and concepts of operation whilst providing innovators in industry and academia the opportunity to develop and test technology aligned to this future capability.