L3Harris Technologies has won a Defense Innovation Unit contract to supply its Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR) system, allowing submarines to deploy and retrieve Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) without surfacing—a process that previously required divers and support vessels.
The Iver4 900 is a next-generation AUV built for long-endurance missions to depths of 300 meters. Measuring 2.5 meters in length and constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, it can travel over 40 nautical miles on standard batteries, with up to 80 nm achievable using high-capacity power packs. Its modular design supports swappable payloads for a wide range of defense and commercial missions, including surveys, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine warfare, and anti-submarine operations.
The TTLR system enhances undersea operations by maintaining stealth while providing operational flexibility. Compatible with multiple submarine classes, it boosts manned–unmanned teaming and expands undersea capabilities for US and allied navies. L3Harris writes:
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received an Other Transaction Authority contract from the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit to deliver the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR) system, which deploys and retrieves the company’s Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) through submarine torpedo tubes.
U.S. and allied navies have validated the system to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, mine detection and seabed warfare missions without surfacing or exposing personnel to risk.
“The Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery system is not a future capability, it’s answering combatant commander needs today,” said Nino DiCosmo, President, Maritime, Space & Mission Systems, L3Harris. “Our system is the first to successfully launch and recover AUVs from a submarine, providing commanders flexibility for persistent undersea operations and maintaining essential stealth.”
The modular TTLR system multiplies force capacity from existing submarine hulls, eliminating costly new construction. The system delivers the first U.S. Navy submarine- and aviation-approved AUV lithium-ion battery technology, enabling longer-duration missions with hot-swap capability for continuous operations.
TTLR’s interoperability across multiple submarine classes and allied platforms advances the Navy’s manned-unmanned teaming vision and demonstrates AUKUS Pillar 2 collaboration.
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