In a significant advancement for unmanned naval operations, the US Navy, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have confirmed the REMUS 620 UUV’s compatibility with Virginia-class submarine torpedo launch systems. The validation followed a successful dry run using the SAFECAP monitoring system, verifying safe integration with submarine platforms.
This progress sets the stage for full-scale in-water launch and recovery trials later this summer, expanding submarine capabilities beyond manned operations. The ability to deploy UUVs from standard torpedo tubes offers enhanced reach and versatility for missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine detection—without requiring dry deck shelters.
Designed for long-endurance missions, the REMUS 620 is a semi-autonomous, 10.2-foot vehicle capable of 100-hour operations at depths of 600 feet. Its modular structure allows it to be configured for a wide array of tasks including electronic warfare, intelligence collection, and underwater mapping.
