U.S. Navy To Deploy “TTLR” System To Launch & Recover Stealth AUVs From Submarine Torpedo Tubes

The Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit has awarded a contract to L3Harris Technologies to deliver the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR) system.

The system, expected to boost the capabilities of U.S submarines, can launch and retrieve the company’s Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) through submarine torpedo tubes.

Even U.S allies have found the system effective for conducting surveillance missions, intelligence gathering operations, detecting placement of mines, underwater warfare and reconnaissance, without exposing the crew to risky situations.

Nino DiCosmo, President, Maritime, Space & Mission Systems, L3Harris, said that this is the first system which can launch and recover AUVs from a submarine, offering greater autonomy and flexibility to naval commanders during critical undersea missions.

The system can be easily integrated into different submarine classes and does not require the construction of new hulls, thereby cutting costs and increasing efficiency.

It also advances the Navy’s ‘manned-unmanned teaming vision’, which is nothing but a careful, well-planned and strategic cooperation between manned ships and unmanned assets.

The system also uses advanced battery technology, which enables longer missions and quick battery or power unit replacements, so the system can work continuously.

Since the AUVs operate independently, they can patrol areas that may be inaccessible or risky for crewed submarines, thereby increasing the reach of the U.S Navy.