C2 Robotics Enhances Speartooth LUUV with Advanced Payload Capability
At the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney, C2 Robotics introduced an innovative variant of its Speartooth large unmanned underwater vehicle (LUUV), featuring the capability to launch loitering munitions. This development marks a significant evolution in drone warfare capabilities for naval operations in contested maritime environments.
Unveiling the New Variant
The new Speartooth LUUV variant was showcased with a specialized payload bay equipped with hatches and a retractable launcher designed specifically for deploying munitions. This design is engineered to enhance the operational flexibility of the LUUV in various mission scenarios.
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Loader Mechanism: The LOUV’s integrated launcher was displayed with a proprietary loitering munition. This munition is notably reminiscent of C2 Robotics’ Optically Guided Remote Effect (OGRE) system, which utilizes a quadcopter framework for delivering payloads.
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Design Features: In a departure from the conventional compound wing structure, the latest loitering munition features swing wings for its four rotors. This modification is intended to minimize its overall footprint during transport within the payload bay.
Technological Insights
Tom Loveard, co-founder and chief technology officer of C2 Robotics, elaborated on the unique guidance capabilities of the loitering munition. Utilizing optical guidance systems based on terrain data, this munition can accurately reach targets without reliance on GPS or radio datalinks.
Moreover, Loveard introduced the concept of a pod-launchable variant of the loitering munition, designed for seamless integration with the Speartooth LUUV. This advancement will allow for versatile operational applications, enhancing the platform’s combat effectiveness.
Speartooth LUUV Overview
The Speartooth LUUV is a large-displacement autonomous underwater system, conceived to fulfill the demand for persistent and multifunctional operations in strategically contested maritime regions. It was originally unveiled by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during the Indo Pacific 2022 exhibition.
- Specifications: Two early prototypes have been developed, one measuring 8 meters in length and the other at 4 meters. These variations are designed to accommodate differing mission requirements while maintaining operational efficacy.
C2 Robotics’ development of the Speartooth LUUV with loitering munition capabilities illustrates a forward-thinking approach to modern naval warfare, equipping naval forces with advanced tools for intelligence, surveillance, and strike operations in complex maritime arenas.
