Turkish Navy successfully tests Albatros S kamikaze naval drone.

According to information published by the SSB on October 9, 2023, the Albatros S kamikaze naval drone from the company Aselsan successfully destroyed a target ship.
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The cargo ship and Albatros-S USV during the trials. (Picture source: SSB)

BaykarTech's BayraktarTB2 successfully detected a ship, to which Aselsan's ALBATROS-S Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) was directed. With the support of Roketsan, the ALBATROS USV, equipped with a warhead and capable of moving in a group of eight, struck and destroyed the target ship. The Kamikaze USV successfully passed its test firing, marking another achievement for the Turkish defense sector.

Albatros-S

The ALBATROS-S, an unmanned maritime system, has been introduced with notable technical specifications. Measuring 7.20 meters in length and 2 meters in width, and weighing in at 1955 kg, the vessel can reach speeds of over 40 knots and has an operational duration of more than 10 hours. It utilizes a tail-mounted internal diesel engine and has a payload capacity of over 250 kg.

For communication, the ALBATROS-S incorporates an RF communication system, a narrow-band satellite communication system, and a 4.5G/LTE communication system. Its control console facilitates autonomous mission planning and execution, and provides live viewing and recording functionalities.

Operationally, the ALBATROS-S is designed for reconnaissance and surveillance. It has the capability to engage with targets either individually or in coordination with multiple boats. It's also equipped for coastal security patrols, assaults, and base/port defense tasks.

A distinguishing feature of the ALBATROS-S is its autonomy. It can independently navigate and undertake missions, even when operating in swarm formations.

The system can adapt its navigation based on different formations, avoid various obstacles, and maintain its mission even with potential reductions in the swarm.

Tasks can be autonomously distributed among the swarm elements, allowing for the mission to be autonomously adjusted or concluded based on various conditions.

The ALBATROS-S can detect and navigate around both fixed and moving obstacles, possesses a navigation radar, and uses an anti-jam GNSS system. Its autonomous capabilities extend to mission planning, task distribution, sensor fusion, and dynamic route planning. It can operate both day and night and maintains its autonomous functions even if there are GNSS and communication disruptions.