Analysis: Unmanned Sea Vehicles of Turkish Industry

The Turkish defence industry offers high-technology and cost-efficient solutions in compliance with NATO standards to navies in the world, notably the Turkish Naval Forces, in need of various types of sea platforms. The industry has a vast product portfolio including not only warships, auxiliary ships, boats, submarines but also unmanned sea systems and gun turrets. In addition to main platforms, the Turkish defence industry is also a solution partner for weapons, ASW and subsystems. Hereunder, Navy Recognition editorial team focused on the unmanned sea vehicles.

Unmanned Sea Vehicles of Turkish Industry (Picture source: Army Recognition)

ALBATROS-K UNMANNED SURFACE TARGET BOAT

ALBATROS-K (CATAMARAN) High-Speed Unmanned Surface Target Boat is specially developed for the purpose of using as a moving target for artillery and guided missile shooting drills of naval forces and aircrafts.

ALBATROS-K (CATAMARAN) is an unmanned surface target boat developed by ASELSAN in order to use in artillery and guided missile shooting drills of naval forces and aircrafts.

ALBATROS-K, a continuation of Unmanned Surface Target Family, has a high speed and manoeuvrability that can be used as a moving target for firing exercises of naval forces’ artillery, close defence weapon systems and guided missiles, and for firing exercises of combat air platforms’ gatling gun and guided missiles.

ALBATROS-K can be used with autonomous, semi-autonomous or remote command and has a user-friendly interface. The system is an effective objective that can perform predetermined scenarios according to the purposes of the exercises and gunfire trainings and can perform various tasks with useful loads to be integrated on it.

The system is supported by ASELSAN Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the shot/hit image is transferred to the control station in real-time to enable assessment of shot and strike damage.

Technical Features:
• Width: 4.5 m
• Length: 10-16 m
• Height: 6 m (with target board)
• Gross weight: 3.000-5.000 kg
• Max speed: 35+ knots
• Control range: 10nm
• Endurance: 6 hours
• Drive system: 2 Internal diesel engine

ALBATROS-K UNMANNED SURFACE TARGET BOAT (Picture source: SSB)

ALBATROS-T

The system is supported by ASELSAN Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the shot/hit image is transferred to the control station in real-time for damage and exercise assessment.

ALBATROS-T is an Unmanned Surface Target Boat developed for use in naval gunfire and guided-missile firing exercises. The system has high speed and manoeuvring capability and can replicate a variety of naval tactics such as zig-zag manoeuvre and straight-on high attack.

Technical Features:
• Width: 1.65 m
• Length: 5.50 m
• Gross weight: 950 kg
• Max speed: 40+ knots
• Control range: 10nm
• Endurance: 6 hours
• Drive system: Internal diesel engine

ALBATROS-T (Picture source: SSB)

LEVENT UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLE

LEVENT is a high-speed, multi-purpose Unmanned Surface Vehicle to be used in various missions such as mine countermeasures, reconnaissance surveillance target acquisition, maritime security, patrol, target towing and logistics. Depending on mission requirements, the system can be man operated also. Owing to its modular structure, LEVENT can be integrated with various platforms
and payloads.

The system is based on the widely used Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) platform, which provides high mobility, speed and endurance on demanding conditions. This also permits ASELSAN to retrofit regular RHIB boats. The boat can be safely operated in both manned and unmanned modes with speeds over 30 knots. LEVENT is configured per mission from a variety of payloads available. The day/night advanced situational awareness is provided via the High Accuracy Stabilized Platform, Radar and Sonar sensors. LEVENT can also be equipped with a remote weapon station to provide protection during critical operations.

The system is easily controlled through the network-enabled Command & Control Station which also permits integration of the system to the ship’s network and external C2I systems. Command and Control station provides real-time video and onboard sensor feedback
from the boat providing commands for the operation of the USV.

Platform Specifications:
• 7.30m RHIB Platform
• Inboard Diesel Engine and Water Jet
• Weight: < 3000 kg
• Speed: > 30 knots
• Range: > 200 nautical miles

LEVENT UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLE (Picture source: SSB)