OCIUS debuts diesel-hybrid Bluebottle USVs in AUKUS naval exercise

OCIUS has introduced two Bluebottle Hybrid vessels into Maritime Big Play Pacific, the US Navy-led exercise running during October. The Australian company's diesel-hybrid uncrewed surface vessels are taking part in their first naval exercise, carrying ThayerMahan Outpost acoustic-intelligence payloads and TransparenSea processing software.

The hybrid configuration adds a diesel generator to Bluebottle's solar, wind and wave power systems. The additional energy supports low-light operations, including high-latitude winters, and payloads with greater electrical demand. OCIUS's product specifications describe a shared 7.4-metre hull, trailer and launch arrangement across the renewable-powered and hybrid versions.

ThayerMahan's acoustic payload and processing software are intended to detect and track undersea threats. OCIUS selected the same payload combination for integration with Bluebottle under the Royal Australian Navy's SEA1200 programme. In the United States, Bluebottles fitted with ThayerMahan sonar operate as Outpost systems.

Maritime Big Play is an AUKUS Pillar II experimentation series involving Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Pacific exercise includes anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and seabed scenarios, giving the teams a setting in which to test autonomous vessels, sensing payloads and information sharing together.

The renewable-powered Bluebottle has been in Royal Australian Navy service since July 2024. OCIUS reports individual deployments lasting more than six months and says earlier US Navy exercises tested the platform's submarine-detection role and endurance through severe weather. The hybrid extends that platform's power options for missions with different environmental and sensing requirements.