SAN DIEGO, California — Voltaic Marine has completed live trials integrating its AEU39 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with Moog Space and Defense’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) remote weapon turret during the U.S. Navy’s Coastal Trident Demo.
The demonstration marked the first maritime use of the RIwP and included its detection and tracking functions aboard the autonomous vessel.
RIwP Integration
During the trials, the RIwP drew power directly from the AEU39’s 300 kWh battery bank while the vessel held position on the water. The system used standard interfaces and an 800-volt-to-12-volt conversion system.
The turret was installed in the AEU39’s forward payload bay beneath a hinged armored hatch. The hatch opens upward when the weapon system is needed and closes flush with the hull when it is not in use.
The RIwP is a configurable, platform-agnostic remote weapon station already fielded on other platforms. The maritime configuration retains commonality with the standard RIwP while weighing roughly one-third as much. It can accommodate a 30 mm cannon and multiple missile effectors, as well as different weapons and sensors. It also has increased onboard ammunition capacity for extended engagement duration.
AEU39 Payload and Propulsion
The AEU39 has an open payload architecture with two modular bays and a combined payload capacity of 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg). The forward bay supports modular turret systems.
A separate enclosed midship bay is designed to launch and recover uncrewed aircraft from a stabilized deck and provides additional modular payload options.
The vessel uses electric-hybrid propulsion with integrated solar panels. Voltaic Marine says the system provides low acoustic and thermal signatures and allows the vessel to remain on station without the noise and heat associated with conventional propulsion.
The company says the battery and solar-electric system can keep a fielded weapon system “on watch for weeks at a time.”
Autonomy and Logistics
The AEU39 is designed to operate with different autonomy and command-and-control systems through open data and communications standards. It supports waypoint transit, area patrol, loitering and repositioning commands.
The vessel can be transported on a standard road trailer, launched from a basic boat ramp, shipped inside a 45-foot high-cube container, and carried aboard C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft.
Industry Statements
Richard Phamdo, CEO of Voltaic Marine, said the AEU39 was built around modular payload bays and abundant electric power, while RIwP provides multiple defeat options from a single reconfigurable mount.
Jason Weiss, Moog Land and Sea Business Unit General Manager, said the collaboration brings RIwP’s capabilities from land-based applications into the maritime domain.
The companies have not disclosed the specific trial date or location, customer or program involved, whether live munitions were used, or detailed performance results from the demonstration.
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