Triton AUSV: Revolutionary drone for modern naval warfare

Content

1. What is Triton AUSV?

2. Triton AUSV characteristics

3. Operating modes of Triton AUSV

4. Triton AUSV capabilities

5. How Triton AUSV is used

6. Could Triton AUSV be deployed in Ukraine?

The material was prepared in cooperation with the Consortium for Defence Information (CDI), a project that brings together Ukrainian analytical and research organizations, aimed at enhancing informational support and analytical provision in the fields of national security, defense, and geopolitics.

What is Triton AUSV?

The manufacturer, the American company Ocean Aero, presents the Triton as the world’s first dual-function marine drone – an AUSV (Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle). This platform embodies a new approach to developing marine drones, as it can function as an unmanned sailboat and, when necessary, submerge to carry out underwater missions, transforming into a mini-submarine.

Another unique feature of the Triton AUSV is that it is completely fuel-free, relying solely on renewable energy from the sun and wind. This makes it fully autonomous and capable of long-term missions. On the surface, it can operate for over three months, recharging from the wind or using solar panels. When submerged, it can perform tasks for up to five days before needing to surface for battery recharging. With this multifunctionality, the Triton AUSV is both resilient and stealthy.

The nearly five-meter-long vessel has a sail height of about three meters above sea level. Its draft is 1.5 meters – a low-profile hull ensures stealth and stability on the water. With favorable wind or using solar-electric energy, the Triton can travel at speeds of up to 5 knots.

Triton AUSV characteristics

• Length – 4.4 m
• Width – 0.8 m
• Height with extended mast – 3 m above sea level
• Weight – 350 kg
• Payload capacity – 23 kg
• Speed on water – up to 5 knots (9.25 km/h)
• Speed underwater – up to 2 knots (3.7 km/h)

Operating modes of Triton AUSV

On the surface, Triton moves using wind propulsion and a solar-powered engine. It maintains a stable course thanks to its autopilot and sail control system.

"The tall vertical sail catches the wind, while the rudder or differential thrusters ensure maneuverability. In this mode, Triton can cover long distances efficiently, utilizing wind energy. It also has the advantage of real-time communication and GPS positioning on the surface, allowing it to regularly transmit data and receive new commands as needed," stated CDI.

The sail also serves as a large array of solar panels. During submersion, it folds.

In surface mode, Tritons recharge batteries, head to mission areas, or patrol large water areas using cameras or radars. Thanks to its specially designed structure, its radar visibility is reduced, and its effective radar cross-section disappears at 300 meters. Triton AUSV is hard to detect both by radar and visually – its gray hull blends in with the sea.

The Triton can autonomously switch between surface and submersible modes: ballast tanks are first flooded, and then the surface configuration changes for gradual submersion.

"Once underwater, Triton uses an electric motor for movement and an inertial navigation system for orientation (if GPS is unavailable). It moves at a low speed (~2 knots) to conserve energy and minimize noise. In this mode, the device becomes almost invisible: just a few meters below the surface, it cannot be detected by observers and is nearly undetectable by radar or visual means," experts from the Consortium for Defence Information write.

Thus, if Triton detects a threat on the surface, such as an approaching vessel or hostile radar emissions, it can autonomously submerge and effectively "disappear." The chances of tracking or intercepting the device after submersion are minimal – the electric propulsion makes the drone even less detectable, creating much less noise than diesel engines.

Experts say that due to its ability to submerge, Triton is an ideal device for military reconnaissance in dangerous areas.

Triton AUSV capabilities

Triton is technologically well-equipped. On the surface, it can use satellite communication and is also fitted with short-range radio communication, including Wi-Fi and mesh-network radios, to exchange data with other drones or vessels.

Triton AUSV is built on a modular principle, allowing its configuration to be adjusted depending on the tasks at hand. The standard setup includes at least five infrared cameras for 360° visibility.

"Triton is also equipped with typical navigation sensors, such as GPS/GNSS, an inertial navigation system, an altimeter/depth sensor, and meteorological sensors (e.g., an anemometer, air temperature sensor) to monitor the environment. Additionally, the drone integrates advanced sensors like the Sonardyne SPRINT-Nav Mini (a hybrid acoustic-inertial system for precise underwater navigation) and the multi-zone sonar Wavefront Solstice for high-precision seabed imaging," writes CDI.

In addition to its standard equipment, Triton can carry up to 23 kg of payload, including additional sensors or weapon systems.

Another advantage of the drone is its resilience in harsh conditions. The dual-functionality of the Triton comes in handy here. Unlike other unmanned vessels that may capsize or face other issues in high waves or stormy weather, Triton can dive beneath the rough surface and wait out the bad weather underwater.

How Triton AUSV is used

The manufacturer offers several payload options designed for typical missions in scientific research, industry, or defense. For defense systems, these may include electronic warfare tools or mine detection systems.

The main functions of drones in the military field are surveillance, reconnaissance, and security.

"Its low visibility and long autonomy make it ideal for military reconnaissance and surveillance tasks. The U.S. Navy has already deployed Triton in operations in the Middle East to monitor strategically important sea routes. During drills in February 2023, Triton operated alongside other unmanned surface systems (including Saildrone and MARTAC Devil Ray) in the Persian Gulf, capturing images and videos of nearby vessels, which were then transmitted ashore and analyzed by artificial intelligence systems," noted the Consortium for Defence Information.

The cameras and sensors of the Triton AUSV detect unknown ships or potential threats. The drone transmits reconnaissance information over long distances in real-time. Once submerged, it can secretly track vessels and avoid interception if detected.

Another function is monitoring and security. Triton can be used for patrolling areas near ports, coastal facilities, and naval bases.

Could Triton AUSV be deployed in Ukraine?

The functions of the American marine drone could be very useful for Ukraine's Defense Forces, especially as both sides cautiously discuss a ceasefire at sea. The unique capabilities of the device—autonomous patrolling, operation both on the surface and underwater, and near invisibility to visual and radar systems—perfectly meet the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Black Sea. And with a price of several million USD, the Triton AUSV is not excessively expensive.

Given that Ukraine is actively using marine drones in an asymmetric war against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the Triton AUSV could significantly enhance reconnaissance and covert operations.

Currently, there is no official information regarding the use of the Triton AUSV in Ukraine. However, considering the significant interest of the Defense Forces in sea drones following a series of successful operations, as well as the need to control maritime routes, ports, and coastal facilities, such a device would certainly attract the attention of the Ukrainian government.

Ultimately, even if discussions about acquiring Tritons took place, such information is likely classified or highly restricted and is unlikely to be publicly disclosed until specific agreements are reached or even until testing in combat conditions.