On Oct. 10, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) and the University of Hawaii used a UAS to deliver supplies onto a submarine off the coast of Oahu, a U.S. island in the Central Pacific. 

Carrying a five-pound payload that included circuit cards, medical supplies, and food, the UAS took the payload to Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) while it was underway.

“What started as an innovative idea has come to fruition as a potentially radical new submarine logistics delivery capability,” says Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Keithley, assigned to COMSUBPAC.

“A large percentage of parts that are needed on submarines weigh less than five-pounds, so this capability could alleviate the need for boats to pull into ports for parts or medical supplies.”

A year ago, the Commander, Submarine Force Innovation Lab (iLab) came up with the concept of using UAS to make deliveries. iLab and the University of Hawaii Applied Research Lab have spent the last year working to make this concept a reality.

“We are already seeing the impact that this one idea can have on the entire fleet,” says Rear Adm. Blake Converse, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“The joint effort between the Sailors at COMSUBPAC and the University of Hawaii has resulted in delivering necessary supplies to submarines that can save time and money, allowing us to stay in the fight.”

As a result of this idea, the Submarine Force’s first UAV squadron at CSP was created. To become proficient UAS pilots, and to develop the concept of converting a UAS and a submarine sail into a package delivery and receiving platform, submarine sailors stationed at Pearl Harbor volunteered to attend weekly training at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii.

“Members of University of Hawaii Applied Research Lab worked alongside COMSUBPAC Sailors to develop a “snag” pole and payload release mechanism from the drone, practicing the concept using the prototypes on the back of trucks and jeeps,” Keithley explains.

“As the training progressed and the drone innovations became more reliable, the team was able to demonstrate the capability onto a small patrol boat out of Pearl Harbor.”

The Oct. 10 delivery was conducted after final adjustments were made, and last minute training was performed.

“The snag pole and drone delivery mechanisms performed perfectly as the payload of parts was safely delivered onboard the submarine, making history as the first ever drone delivery onboard an underway submarine,” Keithley says.