The World Protection Present 2024 held in Riyadh introduced an intriguing improvement to the forefront: the potential for the Royal Saudi Navy to undertake the MARLIN Unmanned Floor Car [USV]. This superior vessel is the results of a profitable partnership between two Turkish entities, Aselsan and the Sefine Shipyard.
The exhibited mannequin on the WDS 2024 featured a vary of payload choices, particularly the inclusion of two Kuzgun anti-ship missile launchers—a characteristic revealed for the primary time, triggering appreciable curiosity.
A consultant from the NCMS disclosed that finalizing the deal will rely upon the great necessities of the Royal Saudi Navy. “As quickly as we obtain particular instructions from the Royal Saudi Navy, we are able to solidify our partnership with the Sefine Shipyard”, acknowledged an official from NCMS at WDS 2024.
Modifications are potential
The identical NCMS spokesperson recommended the opportunity of the USV present process sure alterations to cater to the Royal Saudi Navy’s particular wants. Might this indicate a identify change for MARLIN sooner or later? Solely time will reveal.
The official journal of the World Protection Present duly acknowledged the Aselsan-Sefine Shipyard collaboration, and eagerly introduced the upcoming sea trials for MARLIN.
The publication additional described the mannequin—geared up with 4 stern-mounted torpedo tubes and field launchers for small surface-to-air missiles—as a modular showcase that enables for seamless mission transition, whether or not for Mine Countermeasure [MCM] missions or Digital Warfare [EW] drills. However, the field launchers are literally designed for TUBITAK SAGE’s Kuzgun anti-ship missiles.
600 hp energy
NCMS revealed that the unique MARLIN mannequin is provided with French diesel engines whereas its successor will characteristic Turkish expertise with twin 600 HP engines—highly effective sufficient to attain a prime velocity of 45 knots. MARLIN, which is predicted to bear a few upgrades, is slated to start out its sea trials in June.
No matter whether or not it retains the identify MARLIN or dons a new title, this formidable USV—with its Digital Warfare [EW] capabilities and spectacular weaponry—is poised to boost the Royal Saudi Navy’s surveillance capabilities and offensive potential within the area.
Participation in workouts
You would possibly wish to know that the SEFİNE Shipyard and ASELSAN, each primarily based in Turkey, not too long ago showcased their cutting-edge MARLIN USV throughout a couple of NATO workouts in late September 2022.
This marked Turkey’s inaugural participation within the REPMUS NATO train utilizing unmanned techniques. Wait until you hear this: the USV executed the premier live-firing of the Kuzgun anti-ship missile in April 2023.
Now, you would possibly surprise, what makes MARLIN stand out? Nicely, in accordance with SEFİNE and ASELSAN, it’s because of its distinct traits similar to its dimension, payload, versatility in configuration, and most notably, its digital warfare [EW] capabilities—argued to be an unprecedented characteristic on this area.
In the course of the NATO workouts, the MARLIN’s payload was intentionally designed for EW. There’s extra: this 15-meter surprise supplies off-board jammers to fleets, which might come in useful for floor warfare.
About Marlin USV
You’ll be intrigued to study that the MARLIN, as an autonomous USV, is tailor-made for high-speed navigation, sea-keeping, and distinctive maneuverability. Unsurprisingly, the corporate maintains discretion relating to the USV’s dimensions and endurance owing to privateness considerations. Nonetheless, we’re conscious that the vessel can comfortably cruise at an optimum velocity of 12 knots and might push the restrict to achieve a prime velocity of 36 knots.
When it comes to dimension, the MARLIN isn’t petite, measuring roughly 15 meters with ample payload capability. Designed to carry out, the MARLIN— with its distinctive hull design, propulsion system, and supportive devices— can function as much as Sea State 4 and carry out commendably in turbulent seas extending as much as Sea State 5.
Anti-surface warfare
However wait, there’s extra. This marvel may be tailor-made for anti-surface warfare [ASUW] armed with guided missiles or for anti-submarine warfare [ASW] geared up with torpedoes. Relying in your operational wants, the MARLIN can adapt fairly comfortably.
SEFİNE assures us that the MARLIN’s exceptional adaptability permits it to be fitted for a number of payloads [SSM, Torpedo, EW, Sonobuoy, SATCOM, LOS Communication, Underwater communication…] with ease. Moreover, it will possibly go for both a monohull or trimaran hull design optimized to make sure prolonged working time.
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