Navy Begins Test of UUV Launch System

A joint effort between the US Navy and General Dynamics Electric Boat is refining a prototype system that would launch and capture underwater drones from submerged submarines.

Using a vacant missile tube on a cruise missile submarine the Universal Launch and Recovery Module (ULRM) is designed to bring UUVs from inside a vessel to a launch point outside its hull.

Once in a ready position a UUV could be launched to conduct underwater missions ranging from counter-mine patrols to surveillance and recon operations.

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