#swampworks

The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully launched an all-electric, fuel-cell powered, unmanned aerial system from a submerged submarine.

The eXperimental Fuel Cell (XFC) UAS was vertically launched from a ‘Sea Robin’ launch vehicle.

The Sea Robin vehicle is designed to fit within an empty Tomahawk launch canister, and was launched from the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Providence.

Once deployed, the Sea Robin with integrated XFC rose to the surface, and appeared as a spar buoy. On command of the Providence’s Commanding Officer, the XFC launched and flew a successful mission for several hours.

The XFC was able to stream live video back to the Providence, surface fleet vessels and Norfolk before landing at the Naval Sea Systems Command Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre in the Bahamas.

The project has been funded by SwampWorks at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Department of Defense Rapid Reaction Technology Office.

"Developing disruptive technologies and quickly getting them into the hands of our sailors is what our SwampWorks program is all about," said acting Director of Innovation at ONR, Craig A. Hughes.

"This demonstration really underpins ONR's dedication and ability to address emerging fleet priorities," he added.

According to the NRL, it took less than six years for a sub-launched UAS to go from concept to fleet demonstration.

"This six-year effort represents the best in collaboration of a Navy laboratory and industry to produce a technology that meets the needs of the special operations community," said NRL program developer and manager Dr. Warren Schultz.