The U.S. Navy’s Orca Drone Ship: A Game-Changer for Mine Warfare Against China

[rangerrebew]

The U.S. Navy’s Orca Drone Ship: A Game-Changer for Mine Warfare Against China
Story by Rebecca Grant • 18h

Navy Drone Ship Orca is a Mac Truck for Mine Warfare: The Navy’s new Orca undersea drone is the size of a Mac truck and could be a rapid capability for deterring China.

The Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV,) fittingly known as Orca, is a fifty-one-foot autonomous submarine that can carry out clandestine missions like minelaying.  The first Orca began testing in 2023 and late last month, the second Orca hit the water for sea acceptance testing off the coast of Southern California.
 
Seen side by side, the first two Orcas radiate mystery and menace. The Navy is evaluating several unmanned underwater vehicles for various missions, including large vehicles such as the sleek Manta.

But none match Orca for size and military capability.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-u-s-navy-s-orca-drone-ship-a-game-changer-for-mine-warfare-against-china/ar-AA1tyvaw?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=deb79c8240c1484eaae6c0bb89e75b8d&ei=81

[rangerrebew]

Why is it everything the military introduces is hailed as a "game changer" but a year later has become a dud?

[Smokin Joe]

Why is it everything the military introduces is hailed as a "game changer" but a year later has become a dud?

Because along the way, someone 'gamed' some change.$$$$