Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Core Technologies

The UUV Core Technologies program, outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604029N, is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing core technologies for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). Managed under Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P), the program addresses critical technology gaps in autonomy, payload integration, endurance, and platform development for UUVs. The goal is to support the Navy's undersea warfare mission by enabling more capable, reliable, and flexible unmanned systems. Many details within this program are classified and are provided to Congress in classified budget justification books.

3393: UxS Autonomy, C2 focuses on the development of autonomy architectures, command and control (C2) systems, and supporting infrastructure for UUVs. Objectives include the advancement of the Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA), rapid autonomy integration labs, automated target recognition, and the development of a common control system. The program also supports improvements in communications capabilities and the establishment of an Undersea Constellation and UUV Operations Center. These efforts are aimed at enabling UUVs to operate with greater independence, improved situational awareness, and seamless integration with manned and unmanned platforms.

3395: UxS Payloads is dedicated to the research, development, and integration of advanced payloads for UUVs. Objectives include payload integration, development of medium vehicle payloads, and improvements in automatic target recognition and command and control for payloads. The program also supports technical and engineering assistance for payload integration and logistics. These efforts are intended to enhance the operational flexibility and mission effectiveness of UUVs by enabling them to carry and deploy a variety of mission-specific payloads.

3396: UxS Endurance addresses the need for improved energy storage and endurance technologies for UUVs. Key objectives include the development and certification of propagation-resistant lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, battery screening and warehousing, and advanced energy solutions for extra-large UUVs. The program also includes support for integration and certification of Li-Ion battery assets, as well as program management and design analysis. By extending the operational range and mission duration of UUVs, these efforts support the Navy's requirement for persistent undersea presence.

4053: UxS Platform is focused on rapid innovative research and development (R&D) prototype initiatives that can be quickly incorporated into submarine and UUV platforms. This includes the development and demonstration of technologies for accelerated technical approval (RF TEMPALTs), streamlined vehicle interface standards, and the integration of Submarine-launched and recovered Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (SSW mission packages). The goal is to enhance fleet capability and operational relevance by enabling rapid transition of new technologies into programs of record following successful demonstration and proof of concept.

9999: Congressional Adds represents funding provided by Congress for specific initiatives not originally included in the President's Budget. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, these adds include investments in tactical data links and networks, the procurement of commercially available large diameter unmanned undersea vehicles, and the development of affordable, attritable autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). These congressional adds are intended to accelerate the fielding of critical capabilities and address urgent operational needs identified by Congress.