VESSEL REVIEW | Fast autonomous vehicle built for commercial and security applications

Melbourne, Florida-based Maritime Tactical Systems (Martac Systems) has developed a new autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) capable of high-speed sailings.

The base configuration 24-foot (7.2-metre) ASV is designed as a high-performance craft capable of burst speeds of up to 50 knots, open ocean cruising ranges of up to 600 nautical miles, and a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds (816 kilograms). Power is provided by two Cox diesel outboard engines.

The craft was designed and developed from concept to allow operators to execute missions with multiple advanced above- and below-surface sensors over both line of sight and satellite datalinks. Electronics include a Furuno NXT radar, up to two Teledyne FLIR rotating thermal cameras, and a KVH TracPhone satcom.

The ASV's use of advanced automation and collision avoidance systems (CAS) enables the conduct of missions with significantly reduced human intervention or oversight. In addition to its inherent autonomy, the craft is built on an agile technology stack that is interoperable and interchangeable (I2I), allowing easy adoption of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

The ASV boasts a durable 10G-rated high-speed hull and a large deck area that offers integration of a broader range of sensors compared to other unmanned craft. The vessel can even serve as a carrier and deployment vehicle for smaller unmanned craft such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The lead example of the new ASV series has completed demonstration sailings in conjunction with the US Navy and the forces of other NATO allies in the Baltic region. The craft demonstrated its viability in supporting maritime security missions by accommodating a smaller UUV equipped for mine countermeasures.

Click here for more news stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month's focus on unmanned craft.