Anduril Unveils Autonomous Underwater Kamikaze Drone: Copperhead

Anduril Industries, a prominent U.S. defense contractor, has introduced a new unmanned underwater vehicle named Copperhead. This innovative system, resembling a torpedo, includes two variants specifically designed for military applications and capable of autonomous operation.

The Copperhead family consists of the Copperhead-100 and Copperhead-500 models, with each variant available in an 'M' version, indicating a munition capability. These drones are engineered to independently locate and engage targets. The Copperhead-100 measures approximately 2.7 meters in length and 0.32 meters in width, allowing for a payload capacity of up to 45.35 kilograms. In contrast, the larger Copperhead-500 spans over 4 meters long and 0.53 meters wide, with a maximum payload capacity of 226.7 kilograms. The specific payload for each variant may vary based on their equipment configurations.

The Copperhead-100 can be outfitted with various advanced sensors, including active and passive detection systems, acoustic communication relays, magnetometers, side-scan sonar, and chemical detection sensors. The 100M variant is capable of carrying a light explosive charge. Meanwhile, the Copperhead-500 can support a heavier explosive payload and is also equipped with sophisticated sonar and sensor technologies.

Anduril has not disclosed the specific propulsion systems used in these underwater drones; however, both models are reported to reach speeds exceeding 30 knots (approximately 55.6 km/h) utilizing screw propellers.

Cost efficiency is a primary design consideration for the Copperhead drones. Anduril aims to produce these systems at a lower cost than traditional torpedoes like the Mk 48 and Mk 54. The design features a relatively angular structure intended to streamline production processes. This approach is expected to enable the manufacturing of hundreds to thousands of units annually, although the company has not specified an exact price point.

A significant advantage of the Copperhead-M variant lies in its reusability. Unlike conventional torpedoes, which are typically lost upon target miss, the Copperhead variants can be recovered, refurbished, and redeployed, as per Anduril's assurances.

These autonomous underwater drones are designed to operate with artificial intelligence capabilities, allowing them to make independent decisions regarding target engagement. Furthermore, Anduril plans to implement software updates to adapt the drones to counter various enemy weapon systems.

The Copperhead drones are developed for deployment from larger unmanned underwater vehicles, such as the Ghost Shark, already in use by the Royal Australian Navy, and Anduril's DiveXL. This marks the Copperhead as a pioneering system in the realm of torpedo-like underwater drones specifically tailored for autonomous underwater operations, with plans for deployment from ships and aircraft as well.