Light unmanned boat "Marlin"
The unmanned boat "Vizir" is one of the first domestic developments of this class. Photo KMZ
Currently, Russian scientific and design organizations are actively working on the topic of unmanned boats. Recently, it became known about the appearance of another project of this kind called "Marlin". Such a boat should differ from other models of its class in its small size and displacement. At the same time, it should effectively combat UAVs, mines and other surface objects.
In the easy class
The new unmanned boat (UBC) of Russian design became known on 10 from the publication of the Izvestia newspaper. It revealed the very fact of the existence of such a project, as well as some features and characteristics of the boat. At the same time, the appearance of the product remains unknown. Perhaps it will be published in the near future.
The project, called "Marlin", is being developed by specialists from the Baltic Higher Naval School named after F.F. Ushakov. The goal of the project was to create a light kamikaze boat with remote control. It is proposed to use it to combat various surface objects that pose a danger to fleet.
The technical appearance or design of the product has not yet been disclosed. At the same time, it is reported that the new BEK has small dimensions and displacement. Due to this, it will be possible to carry various pennants of the fleet, and the ships can be equipped with a large number of boats.
Based on common solutions, two modifications of the Marlin have been developed at once, sea and river. All the differences between the two products are not specified, but it is known that they have different payloads. Thus, the boat for sea waters carries a warhead weighing 2 kg, and the river version receives a 1,5 kg charge.
The developers have defined the range of tasks that the new boats will solve. Both modifications are designed to combat various enemy watercraft, but of different classes and in different conditions. The river version of the Marlin will be used to destroy boats and boats as part of anti-landing defense, while the sea boat is designed to protect large ships from enemy kamikaze boats.
Experimental BEK from OSK-Technologiya and VIT Era. Photo by VIT Era
The current status of the Marlin project and its prospects remain unclear. However, it can be assumed that in the near future both versions of the BEK will undergo tests and demonstrate their characteristics and capabilities. In case of successful completion of the tests, the boat may be developed and even reach serial production and operation in the Russian Navy.
According to known data ...
Not much is known about the Marlin project yet. However, the available information allows us to imagine what a promising boat could be like, what level of characteristics it should show, and what interest it represents for a potential operator. The information disclosed allows us to make fairly plausible predictions.
Judging by the description, "Marlin" is a small floating craft of traditional appearance. Its length hardly exceeds 0,8-1 m. The full displacement, as follows from the payload, is within a few kilograms. In terms of size and weight, the new BEK is similar to sports ship models of some classes.
It is most advantageous to equip a boat of such dimensions with an electric power plant. There should be a battery of sufficient capacity and an electric motor with a propeller on board. Such a plant allows you to develop a speed of up to several dozen knots, but the cruising range on one battery charge will not exceed several kilometers.
Obviously, the Marlin is radio-controlled. The operator must control its movements using a standard remote control. In addition, in a recent news It is mentioned that the BEK will receive a course video camera for monitoring the situation, driving and targeting. Probably, for greater convenience, the operator should use FPV glasses.
A warhead weighing no more than 1,5-2 kg was placed on board the compact boat. Such a charge allows solving only a limited range of combat tasks and attacking only certain classes of targets. Thus, Izvestia mentions combating various floating craft, and this looks quite realistic.
A small unmanned boat can be launched from the shore or from any suitable surface pennant. The small size and weight of the Marlin significantly reduce the requirements for carriers. It can be used even on boats of different types. The number of unmanned boats ready for use will depend on the size of the carrier.
Special niche
Unmanned boats can solve various tasks, including striking various targets. In the absence of active counteraction, they pose a threat to surface ships and coastal facilities. Not long ago, this direction attracted the attention of several armies of the world, which gave impetus to its development.
Use of BEC as part of a special operation, May 2024. Photo: Telegram / "There Behind the Mists"
The bulk of modern BEKs are floating craft the size of a regular motorboat, carrying a warhead to hit a designated target. Such kamikaze boats are mass-produced and are already in service with a number of fleets.
The domestic project "Marlin" uses a different approach to the architecture of the design. This boat is smaller and lighter than other models of its class, but otherwise has no fundamental differences. At the same time, it is intended to solve a specific range of problems.
The Marlins are reportedly designed to combat enemy landing craft or larger UAVs. They can also be used against surface-floating sea mines. In all cases, the craft will be able to home in on a target and detonate it, including by detonating its own payload.
In this context, the Marlin or other similar BEC has a number of important advantages. First of all, it is simple and cheap. A small BEC is unlikely to be complex and expensive, which will allow it to be produced en masse and actively used to solve the proposed tasks. At the same time, the cost of interception will be significantly lower than the cost of the target or the consequences of an undetected attack.
The BEC, resembling a racing boat model, must have high running and maneuverability characteristics. This will significantly increase the probability of successfully intercepting and hitting various targets. In addition, in some situations, the boat will be able to re-enter the target after a miss. If the operator fails to hit the target this time, then it is possible to use a second inexpensive BEC.
The expected size and weight of the Marlin significantly reduces the requirements for potential carriers. This means that such UAVs can be placed not only on ships, but also on patrol boats. As a result, the crew will receive an additional means for combating surface targets.
Modern domestic patrol boats of all relevant types are equipped with barrel armament of different calibers. In addition, issues of equipping them with UAVs, including strike ones, are being worked out. In the future, "Marlins" may also appear on board. This should significantly increase the flexibility of combat use of boats and the efficiency of their work.
In the early stages
Thus, the promising unmanned boat "Marlin", in terms of its characteristics and capabilities, turns out to be one of the most interesting developments of its class. It is inferior to other unmanned boats in size and weight, but this is precisely why it has special combat capabilities.
It can be assumed that such a BEK can find its place in the structure of weapons of the Russian Navy. If so, "Marlin" after testing will be able to go into production and get into combat units. In addition, the concept itself can be developed, and soon new boats of a similar appearance will appear.
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