WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has received its first Orca unmanned underwater vehicle from Boeing Defense, marking a significant step in advancing the Navy’s unmanned capabilities.

The Orca, which underwent successful trials in California, is part of a planned fleet of five, designed to enhance the Navy’s operational reach undersea.

Boeing’s delivery of the Orca follows its christening last year and extensive in-water testing. The vehicle, measuring 51 feet in length, represents the latest in autonomous submarine technology. It is expected to play a crucial role in the development of the Navy’s future missions, enabling sustained, unmanned undersea operations.

The Orca was developed from the Echo Voyager, an earlier prototype. This previous prototype was used in refining the Orca’s design and functionality.

Check out our first released video of Orca XLUUV in-sea testing — with a dolphin pod cameo. 🐬

The @USNavy Orca XLUUV’s full, advanced #autonomy allows the vehicle to operate for months at a time in open, congested and contested waters with little-to-no human intervention. pic.twitter.com/NfELRMteBe

— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) July 18, 2023