Partnership Demonstrates Autonomous Naval Counter-Drone Capabilities

Moog Inc. and Voltaic Marine have successfully demonstrated a first-of-its-kind integration of the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform onto the AEU39 autonomous surface vessel during the Navy’s Coastal Trident Demo.

The operational test proved the platform’s detection and tracking capabilities in a maritime environment, expanding a defense solution originally developed for ground operations into the naval domain. By pairing an autonomous vessel with multi-layered threat defeat options, the integrated system offers a cost-effective platform designed to protect critical assets, support littoral defense, and conduct fleet protection operations.

The integrated turret system operates independently of specific weapons, sights, or base platforms while maintaining full commonality with standard units at roughly one-third of the total weight. Engineered for modern counter-drone requirements, the platform provides firepower capacity that includes a 30mm cannon alongside multiple missile effectors, supported by expanded onboard ammunition storage for extended engagements.

Complementing this capability, Voltaic Marine designed the AEU39 with an electric-hybrid powertrain and solar panel integration, enabling the vessel to stay on station for extended periods.

“The AEU39 was built for modular payload bays, abundant electric power, and proven payload integration. Unmanned threats are cheap, varied, and multiplying; the response has to be too. RIwP puts multiple defeat options on a single reconfigurable mount, so operators match the cost of the intercept to the cost of the threat,” said Richard Phamdo, CEO Voltaic Marine.

Adding a reconfigurable weapons platform to an unmanned surface vessel creates a single wireless platform capable of intercepting missiles, taking out drones, and advancing autonomous ship applications. Moog Inc., a designer and manufacturer of precision motion and fluid control systems, views the integration as a key expansion of its combat-proven hardware across multiple defense domains.

“Our collaboration with Voltaic takes everything that made RIwP successful on land and brings those benefits to the sea,” said Jason Weiss, Moog Land and Sea Business Unit General Manager. “As unmanned threats evolve into new domains, we must continue innovating to ensure adversaries don’t take the upper hand.”