L3Harris Wins Groundbreaking Contract to Enhance Submarine Autonomy Through Underwater Innovation
L3Harris Technologies has secured an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to enhance U.S. Navy submarines with advanced autonomous underwater capabilities. This groundbreaking agreement will see L3Harris deliver the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR) system, designed for the deployment and retrieval of Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) directly via torpedo tubes.
Recognized by both U.S. and allied navies, the TTLR system plays a crucial role in essential missions including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), mine detection, and seabed warfare. Most importantly, it allows submarines to operate stealthily while submerged.
“The TTLR system is not just a future concept; it is tackling immediate needs of combatant commanders,” stated Nino DiCosmo, President of Maritime, Space & Mission Systems at L3Harris. “Being the first to launch and recover AUVs from a submarine provides the fleet with unparalleled flexibility and continuous undersea presence.”
This innovative modular system is compatible with existing submarine classes, eliminating the need for expensive hull modifications. Additionally, it incorporates Navy-approved lithium-ion batteries featuring hot-swap capabilities, thus extending mission durations. This interoperable technology also reinforces the AUKUS Pillar 2 framework, enhancing manned-unmanned collaboration across allied platforms.
