- 2
When submarines launch their own USVs
At Euronaval, Gabler is unveiling a new approach to the deployment of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). Its Ranger and Raider USVs are designed to be launched from a submarine’s standard torpedo tubes, offering new tactical options ranging from intelligence gathering to attack.
- The TTL-USV system is designed to be launched from a submarine’s torpedo tube.
- Gabler teams working on the TTL-USV programme.
© Gabler Group
Gabler, a German company specialising in underwater systems, is presenting the TTL-USV (Tube-launched Uncrewed Surface Vessel) concept, which aims to give submarines new capabilities. Launched from standard torpedo tubes, this type of USV can thus extend the vessel’s capabilities in terms of sensors, communications and armaments.
“The main advantage is that a new system, providing additional capabilities, can be deployed from existing submarines without any on-board modifications,” explains Gabler. This gives the commander new options when facing enemy forces, without revealing the submarine’s position.
Maintaining the submarine’s stealth
Launch takes place whilst the vessel is submerged. “The TTL-USV’s delayed rise to the surface, together with its range and endurance, allows the submarine to maintain or increase a safe distance from the area where the USV might be detected by enemy forces,” explains Gabler. Furthermore, the submarine is not required to use its own optronic systems or antennas within a protected area, ensuring greater discretion.
Measuring 4.5m in length, the Ranger features a retractable keel and sensor mast. Once on the surface, it can carry out pre-programmed missions, operate autonomously, and be guided by cable or radio. Its design had to meet several requirements: to ensure it could be launched from the typical operating depth of submarines, whilst allowing it to operate near the surface. The system must also be compatible with the weapon-handling system of the submarine in question and ensure a safe launch upon exiting the tube.
Ranger and Raider: two tactical options
The two systems are not necessarily intended to operate together: Ranger can enhance sensor and communications capabilities, whilst Raider offers a single-use attack capability (the system is not recovered after deployment), with the potential for use in very confined and shallow environments where the use of a torpedo is difficult, if not impossible (particularly in ports).
The programme combines Gabler’s expertise in the underwater domain with that of Flanq, which brings its experience in the design of small USVs, mission software, as well as testing and integration of multiple sensor systems.
First sea trial
Last June, the Surface Sea Acceptance Test (SSAT), a surface-based acceptance trial, demonstrated the Ranger’s manoeuvrability and stability, as well as its autonomous operation and radio control. Following this proof-of-concept (PoC) phase, the next steps include launches from submarines, certification and any necessary design modifications. The definition of mission modules and equipment will be carried out in collaboration with future customers.
- Linda Verhaeghe
