Voltaic Marine has completed live operational trials combining its AEU39 uncrewed surface vessel with the Moog Space and Defense RIwP remote weapon turret. During the testing phase, the turret drew operating power directly from the AEU39’s 300 kilowatt-hour battery bank via standard interfaces while maintaining position on the water.
The Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) is housed inside the bow of the AEU39, sitting flush beneath a hinged armored hatch that opens upward during engagement. This design maintains a low profile for the vessel until the weapon station is activated. Integration was executed through the vessel’s open payload architecture, featuring two modular bays with a combined 4,000-pound capacity. The bow bay is specifically engineered for modular turret systems, while the enclosed midship bay supports the launch and recovery of uncrewed aircraft from a stabilized deck. It is reported by The Defence Blog.
The AEU39 utilizes electric propulsion to reduce acoustic and thermal signatures, enabling the platform to hold position without the noise or heat generated by conventional engines. Power distribution across the payload bays functions through an 800-volt to 12-volt conversion system combined with open data and communications standards. The vessel operates agnostically regarding autonomy and command-and-control systems, supporting waypoint transit, area patrol, and loitering capabilities through open interfaces.
Designed for standard commercial logistics, the platform can be transported via road trailer, launched from a boat ramp, shipped inside a 45-foot high-cube container, or loaded onto C-17 and C-130 aircraft. According to Voltaic Marine, the configuration enables the system to remain on station for extended periods, keeping the turret “on watch for weeks at a time.” Specific details regarding the trial dates, locations, customer programs, live ammunition usage, and performance metrics were not disclosed by the company.
