TKMS aims to demonstrate MUM XLUUV prototype from mid-2024

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is planning to build a large unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) demonstrator in the second phase of its Modifiable Underwater Mothership (MUM) project, which is expected to enter trials from mid-2024.

MUM is a modular UUV being developed for various applications such as deep-sea exploration, scientific research, and maritime security. The modular design of the UUV supports the integration of third-party modules and other customisations to address a range of mission requirements.

Conceptual art of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' Modifiable Underwater Mothership project. (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems )

The seaframe comprises individual base modules that can accommodate specialised mission modules to expand its size and capabilities. The combination of base and mission modules enables MUM to fulfil different types of missions and scale its capabilities in endurance or payload capacity.

Both the base and mission modules are enclosed by a hydrodynamic casing and designed as 3 or 6 m standard containers that facilitate transportation and assembly. The base modules include the trim, control and hovering system, the fuel cell and propulsion system, as well as the communication and control system.

These can be augmented by reusable modules that can deploy and recover hydrophones and other sensors, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and devices such as drills and manipulator arms for underwater interventions.

The UUV is equipped with an emission-free and air-independent fuel cell propulsion (AIP) system powered by hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. According to TKMS, the AIP system enables the vehicle to perform long-endurance missions at depths of up to 5,000 m.