L3Harris has advanced its production of the Iver4 900 autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) for the U.S. Navy. This effort is part of a joint initiative led by the Defense Innovation Unit targeting enhancements for the Navy’s attack submarine fleet.
Iver4 900 for Enhanced Submarine Capabilities
The Iver4 900 AUV is set to support multiple classes of attack submarines. It will function as an underwater loyal wingman, addressing key areas such as mine warfare, seabed mapping, and forward intelligence collection. JR Gear, the Vice President and General Manager of Integrated Systems and Encryption at L3Harris, shared insights about the program during the Sea Air Space 2026 Symposium in National Harbor, Maryland.
Functionality and Operations
- The Iver4 900 is designed to handle high-risk tasks, allowing submarines to focus on critical missions.
- It is currently being tested in exercises with Virginia-class submarines, refining its operational capabilities.
- The AUV features modular designs enabling swappable payloads for diverse mission requirements.
According to Gear, exercises with the Navy will clarify how the AUV can effectively operate in real-world scenarios. The focus is on its multi-mission capabilities and the ability to adapt to various operational needs.
Specifications and Features
The Iver4 900 is powered by lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to operate between 16 to 24 hours autonomously. With minimal payload, its operational duration can extend to 40 hours per charge. The vehicle’s modular design permits the installation of various sensor types:
- Sonar arrays
- Seabed mapping systems
- Minesweeping capabilities
This flexibility is aimed at catering to the unique and evolving demands of undersea warfare.
Strategic Developments
The Defense Innovation Unit has been instrumental in facilitating the Iver4 900’s development. Contracts have been signed to deliver units for evaluation and initial operational usage within the Navy fleet.
Gear emphasized the importance of autonomy and automatic launch and recovery capabilities, which aim to alleviate sailors’ workloads. “Let the sailor concentrate on the mission and threats,” he stated, highlighting the AUV’s role in enhancing operational efficiency.
With its untethered design, the Iver4 900 offers an extended range of operation, a critical factor in contested environments. Although specifics regarding communication methodologies at long ranges remain undisclosed, the AUV is designed to optimize space within submarines, complementing existing capabilities without occupying precious torpedo room.
Future Developments
L3Harris is committed to developing new payloads, collaborating with various partners to maximize the potential of the Iver family of AUVs. As the U.S. Navy continues to innovate in undersea warfare, the integration of advanced autonomous systems like the Iver4 900 is poised to significantly enhance its strategic capabilities.
