Commercial Mariner - Marine Projects

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

Baird Maritime

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.

Photo: Maritime Tactical Systems

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.

Photo: US Naval Forces Europe-Africa

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.

Photo: US Naval Forces Europe-Africa
24-foot Multi-Role Craft
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of vessel:ASV – Naval
Builder:Maritime Tactical Systems, USA
Length overall:24 feet (7.2 metres)
Capacity:1,800 pounds (816 kilograms)
Main engines:2 x Cox outboards
Maximum speed:50 knots
Range:600 nautical miles
Radar:Furuno NXT
Satcom:KVH TracPhone
Cameras:2 x Teledyne FLIR
Other electronics:Collision avoidance systems
Type of fuel:Diesel