During the Distinguished Observer Day phase of the Turkish Navy’s Denizkurdu-II exercise on May 11, 2024, both MARLIN and Albatros-S USVs were observed as participants in the naval parade.
Albatros-S USV proceeding from the port side of TCG ANADOLU (Credit: Ozgur Eksi, used under his permission)
The DENİZKURDU-II/2024 exercise underscored the Turkish Navy’s operational strength, featuring over 100 ships and aircraft.
During the exercise, the Turkish Navy’s flagship, TCG Anadolu, showcased its capability to deploy various platforms concurrently, including S-70 Seahawk helicopters, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, and MAV (ZAHA) amphibious vehicles.
Another notable detail of the exercise is the participation of the unmanned surface vessels, MARLIN and Albatros-S, for the first time.
Both vessels were observed during the naval parade along with other manned assets to demonstrate manned-unmanned teaming.
The officials didn’t share information about the USVs’ activities during the exercise. But Aselsan shared on social media that ALBATROS and MARLIN, representatives of the most advanced technologies in the field of Unmanned Surface Vehicles, successfully performed reconnaissance and surveillance, electronic warfare, and swarm attack missions in the Denizkurdu 2024 exercise.
About MARLIN USV
MARLIN-ASV stands out as an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) distinguished by its advanced autonomous features.
Developed for an array of missions including surface and electronic warfare, reconnaissance and surveillance, security of bases, ports, and critical ship facilities, as well as supporting amphibious operations, MARLIN’s modular design facilitates seamless integration of different payload configurations.
Fitted with cutting-edge communication and positioning systems, MARLIN maintains uninterrupted operation even in the face of signal jamming.
With a substantial length of approximately 15 meters and a robust payload capacity, it navigates through challenging conditions with ease, handling Sea State 4 and even braving rough seas up to Sea State 5.
The versatility of MARLIN is evident in its adaptability to various roles, from an Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) platform armed with guided missiles to an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) asset equipped with torpedoes.
SEFINE, the manufacturer, underscores MARLIN’s capability to accommodate diverse payloads including surface-to-surface missiles (SSM), torpedoes, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, sonobuoys, SATCOM, Line-of-Sight (LOS) communication equipment, and underwater communication tools.
Moreover, MARLIN offers flexibility in hull design, available in both monohull and trimaran configurations, each optimized to meet specific endurance and operational requirements.
Technical Features
Width: 3,85 m
Length: 15 m
Weight: 21 ton
Max. Speed : ≥ 35 kts
Endurance : ≥ 72 hrs
Propulsion System: 2 Diesel Engines
Payload Capacity : ≥ 4 tons
Albatros-S and Swarm USV project
Albatros-S is capable of performing different swarm formations and has the ability to continue its mission against the decrease in the swarm by avoiding swarm elements and moving or stationary obstacles.
Aselsan unveiled the SWARM USV project for the first time during the IDEF 2021 exhibition held in Istanbul in August 2021 and showcased a scale model of its Albatros-S USV.
SWARM USV is a technology acquisition project and can be performed not only with Albatros-S USVs but also with other USVs being developed in Turkey.
After uneviling the USV in IDEF 2021, Aselsan conducted two demonstrations of this swarm USV technology in 2022 with 4 and 8 USVs.
Technical Features
Width : 2 m
Length : 7.2 m
Weight : 1955 kg
Max. Speed : ≥ 40 kts
Endurance : ≥ 10 hrs
Drive System : Diesel Engine
Payload Capacity : ≥ 250 kgs
