Program Summary
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) have inherent operational and tactical advantages such as stealth and surprise. UUV size, weight and volume are constrained by the handling, launch and recovery systems on their host platforms, however, and UUV range is limited by the amount of energy available for propulsion and the power required for a given underwater speed. Current state-of-the-art energy sources are limited by safety and certification requirements for host platforms.
The Blue Wolf program seeks to develop and demonstrate an integrated UUV capable of operating at speed-range combinations previously unachievable on current representative platforms, while retaining traditional volume and weight fractions for payloads and electronics.
Blue Wolf intends to focus on rapid development and maturation of novel energy, lift and drag-reduction technologies within an existing vehicle. DARPA is collaborating with the Office of Naval Research and Naval Sea Systems Command to achieve program objectives and ensure compatibility with existing manned-platform safety requirements and future Navy technology developments. The program aims to culminate in a series of at-sea demonstrations and transition to the Navy.