Voltaic Marine AEU39

History

The Voltaic Marine AEU39 is an uncrewed surface vessel developed for maritime operations with a modular payload architecture and an electric-hybrid power system. The vessel incorporates two payload bays and a 300 kilowatt-hour battery bank that can supply electrical power to installed mission equipment.

In August 2026, Voltaic Marine and Moog demonstrated the AEU39 with a Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform, or RIwP, during the U.S. Navy's Coastal Trident demonstration. The test showed the integration of a remotely operated weapon system with the vessel's electrical and payload interfaces.

The 2026 demonstration also provided evidence of the AEU39's ability to support counter-drone and other modular maritime payloads while operating as an uncrewed platform. Reports of the trial were published by The Defense Post, Ocean Science & Technology, and Dealroom.

2026 RIwP demonstration

During the Coastal Trident demonstration, the AEU39 carried a Moog Space and Defense RIwP remote weapon platform in its bow payload bay. The turret drew electrical power directly from the vessel's 300 kilowatt-hour battery bank through standard interfaces. The AEU39 held position on the water during the trial.

Released footage showed the turret installed beneath a hinged protected hatch in the bow. The hatch opened when the weapon system was deployed and closed flush with the hull when the system was stowed. The integration used the vessel's open payload architecture rather than requiring a dedicated hull configuration.

The demonstration evaluated the combination of an autonomous surface vessel and a reconfigurable weapon platform in a maritime environment. The reported trial included detection and tracking functions associated with counter-drone operations. The RIwP installation represented a demonstrated payload configuration rather than evidence that every AEU39 carries the weapon system.

Design

The AEU39 uses an electric-hybrid propulsion and power architecture. Solar panels are integrated into the vessel to support extended periods on station. Available reporting does not provide verified figures for speed, range, displacement, or endurance.

Payload architecture

The vessel is designed around two modular payload bays with a combined payload capacity of 1,814 kg (4,000 lb). The bow bay can accept modular turret systems, while the broader architecture is intended to allow different mission equipment to be installed through standardized interfaces.

The 2026 RIwP trial demonstrated that a high-power payload could draw energy from the AEU39's onboard battery system. The vessel's battery bank has a stated capacity of 300 kilowatt-hours.

RIwP integration

Moog's RIwP is a reconfigurable remote weapon platform designed to support different weapons, sensors, and host platforms. In the maritime demonstration, it was integrated into the AEU39 as a counter-drone payload. Reporting on the system describes configurations capable of carrying a 30 mm cannon and multiple missile effectors, but the available sources do not establish a permanent standard armament for the AEU39.

Program status

As of the August 2026 demonstration, the AEU39 had undergone live maritime trials with the RIwP weapon system installed. The available evidence confirms a functioning vessel and payload integration demonstration, but does not establish serial production, operational service entry, procurement quantities, or a confirmed military operator.

Specifications (AEU39)

General characteristics

• Type: Uncrewed surface vessel
• Payload bays: Two modular bays
• Combined payload capacity: 1,814 kg (4,000 lb)

Power system

• Powertrain: Electric-hybrid
• Battery capacity: 300 kilowatt-hours
• Additional energy system: Integrated solar panels

Demonstrated payload

• Weapon system: Moog Space and Defense RIwP remote weapon platform, demonstrated in 2026
• Installation: Bow payload bay beneath a hinged protected hatch