Cormorant

Lockheed Martin Photo

Cormorant was Lockheed Martin Skunkworks' concept for a submarine-launched unmanned air vehicle.  The design was a response to the Defense Advanced Research Project (DARPA) Multi-purpose Unmanned Air Vehicle (MPUAV) program which began in 2003. Lockheed partnered with General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin Perry Technologies, and Teledyne Turbine Engine Company which received $7.1M in DARPA funding for a Phase 1 Risk Reduction demonstration.

The 19 foot long jet-powered stealthy UAV would be launched from the missile tube of the Navy's four converted ballistic missile submarines (SSGN), boosted into the air by rocket boosters, recovered into the water by parachute, then pulled back into the submarine with a remotely operated vehicle.  A mock-up was tested for launch and recovery operations in the Hood Canal.  Cormorant was cancelled in 2008.