BAE Systems undergoes autonomous vehicle testing

By Tom Kilkelly

18 September 2023

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Herne concept image, credit: BAE Systems

Farnborough-based BAE Systems has announced its plans to test the 'brains' of its new 'Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle' (XLAUV).

The brain of this vehicle, dubbed Herne, will be tested on an underwater robot developed by Canadian firm Cellula Robotics.

BAE has said Herne’s autonomous activities will be put to the test in an 'intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) scenario'.

A spokesperson for the Farnborough firm said: “Recent acts of sub-sea aggression highlight the strategic importance of the underwater domain, the need to protect the critical national infrastructure within it and the inherent challenges.''

“Autonomous platforms like Herne could have a role in helping militaries overcome the challenge that the vast expanses of the underwater battlespace present, enabling them to monitor much larger areas without the limitations of a human crew and in a far more cost-effective way.”

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Based on seven years of development in surface autonomy, the vehicle’s command chain and software are designed to be reconfigured for each operation.

Eric Jackson, president of Cellula Robotics, said: “As we embark on this ground-breaking partnership with BAE Systems, we recognise the critical role autonomous platforms play in addressing the evolving challenges of the underwater domain.

''Recent sub-sea aggression incidents underscore the importance of safeguarding our underwater critical infrastructure.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with BAE Systems and look forward to the demonstration, setting the course for a future of enhanced underwater security and intelligence.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.