Submarine Force Tests Torpedo Tube-Launched ROV
NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 9, 2026) - Sailors assigned to Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and supporting shore commands tested a Blueye X3 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) by launching it directly from a submarine torpedo tube August 24, 2026.
The successful demonstration explored a low-cost, rapidly deployable method of using underwater ROVs to conduct underwater search operations from a submerged submarine.
The initiative builds upon the Green Remora project, started by Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher during his time as the commander of the U.S. submarine force. The project originally examined methods to provide submarine scuba divers with enhanced underwater search tools for hull security sweeps and external equipment inspections.
Under the Green Remora umbrella, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic acquired two Blueye ROVs and continued to test their versatile capabilities, including this torpedo tube launch.
The collaborative project brought together Sailors from USS Pasadena, the Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) 2M Shop, SIMA Additive Manufacturing, and technical representatives from Blueye Robotics.
“This project showed that Sailors can take technology already available to the fleet and adapt it to meet an operational need,” said Fire Control Technician 2nd Class David Baker. "It’s rewarding to see a product we built with a 3D printer actually working and solving a real-world problem for our crew."
To operate the ROV from within a flooded torpedo tube, the engineering team required a waterproof connection to protect internal wiring and maintain continuous high-speed communication with the vehicle in seawater.
SIMA Additive Manufacturing designed and printed a custom waterproof housing using Rigid 10K resin on a Formlabs Form 4L 3D printer. The SIMA 2M Shop then integrated low-voltage wiring into the printed housing and the ROV's tether system.
The team also built a separate wiring harness outside the torpedo tube to keep the signal connected through several attachment points. Blueye Robotics provided technical help connecting the harness to the Blueye controller.
The team initially considered using a Temporary Alteration, known as a Fiber Optic Penetrator, to communicate with the ROV through the torpedo tube breach door. Installing the temporary alteration typically costs approximately $200,000 per submarine. Instead, the SIMA Additive Manufacturing team developed a custom solution that allowed the crew to maintain communication with the ROV without installing the temporary alteration.
“This effort brought together Sailor innovation, 3D printing and technical expertise to turn an idea into a working capability,” said Chief Fire Control Technician Will McCrary. "This wasn't just a technical exercise, it was proof of concept for rapid prototyping at the deckplate level. We leveraged additive manufacturing and worked hand-in-hand with industry partners to prove we can deliver a reliable, low-cost capability to the submarine force in a fraction of the normal development time."
The system uses a Submarine Force Atlantic-owned Blueye X3 ROV, standard low-voltage wiring and the custom 3D-printed housing. Because the command already owned the ROV, the project cost less than $1,000 in materials and labor.
The ROV provides submarine crews with an affordable tool for localized underwater searches and inspections. It also allows the submarine force to test ideas on a small scale before using them in larger application.
To support future integration, the command is currently developing a formal ROV Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) card. Submarine personnel will continue to meet all applicable torpedo tube operating requirements.
The demonstration shows how Sailors can collaborate with maintenance activities and industry partners to deliver affordable solutions that expand the operational reach and capability of the submarine force.
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