SANCAR AUSV Completes Successful Firing Tests

The SANCAR Armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle (AUSV) has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing live-fire trials in the Marmara Sea, marking a significant advancement in autonomous naval warfare capabilities. Developed through strategic cooperation between HAVELSAN and Yonca Shipyard, the SANCAR AUSV live-fire trials demonstrate Turkey’s growing expertise in unmanned maritime systems, with the autonomous platform becoming the first fully integrated Armed USV with ADVENT combat management systems, establishing new standards for SANCAR AUSV autonomous naval capabilities in modern maritime operations.

Successful Live-Fire Testing Validation

The comprehensive live-fire trials conducted in the Marmara Sea included participation from Turkish Naval Forces Command representatives, validating the AUSV’s precision engagement capabilities using its integrated 12.7mm Stabilized Weapon System. The testing program successfully demonstrated the platform’s ability to accurately engage targets while maintaining full integration with ADVENT ROTA systems and executing commands through the advanced ADVENT Combat Management System.

HAVELSAN-Yonca Shipyard Partnership Success

The collaborative development between HAVELSAN and Yonca Shipyard has produced a cutting-edge autonomous naval platform that combines advanced software capabilities with proven maritime engineering expertise. This partnership demonstrates Turkey’s ability to integrate complex combat systems with autonomous platform technologies, creating operationally tested solutions ready for real-world deployment across various naval mission scenarios.

ADVENT ROTA Integration Breakthrough

SANCAR represents the first operational example of network-centric warfare executed through an unmanned naval platform, with ADVENT ROTA serving as the core mission system derived from HAVELSAN’s proven ADVENT CMS specifically tailored for unmanned operations. This architecture ensures complete interoperability with Turkish Naval Forces inventory, enabling seamless coordination between manned and unmanned platforms during complex maritime missions.

Multi-Mission Operational Flexibility

The SANCAR AUSV addresses modern naval requirements through exceptional multi-mission flexibility, supporting operations ranging from base and port protection to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Additional capabilities include mine countermeasures, search and rescue operations, and autonomous mission execution, providing navies with a versatile platform capable of adapting to diverse operational requirements.

Advanced Sensor Suite Integration

SANCAR features a comprehensive sensor package including navigation radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), electro-optical cameras, sonar systems, and 360-degree surveillance capabilities. This advanced sensor integration ensures real-time situational awareness and supports trusted decision-making processes in high-risk operational zones where traditional manned platforms might face unacceptable risks.

Scalable Weapons and Payload Configuration

The platform’s open architecture design enables rapid adaptation to different mission requirements through modular payload configurations. Validated weapon systems include the 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon system proven in live-fire trials, while future configurations can accommodate guided missile payloads for enhanced deterrence capabilities and specialized sonar systems for subsurface threat detection.

Network-Centric Warfare Capabilities

SANCAR demonstrates proven performance in real-world scenarios including task handover operations, swarm coordination, and coordinated strike missions. These capabilities represent the first operational implementation of network-centric warfare principles through an unmanned naval platform, enabling sophisticated tactical coordination between multiple autonomous and manned maritime assets.

Resilient Communication Architecture

The autonomous platform ensures uninterrupted command and control through redundant, multi-layered communication systems supporting RF Line-of-Sight, SATCOM, and LTE connectivity options. GNSS-based navigation systems and Ship Data Distribution System (GVDS) integration enable seamless coordination of all onboard systems while maintaining secure communications with fleet commanders.

Technical Specifications and Performance

SANCAR’s impressive technical specifications include a 12.7-meter length, 3.3-meter width, and 9-ton displacement, powered by dual diesel engines and waterjet propulsion systems. The platform achieves maximum speeds exceeding 40 knots with endurance capabilities of 400 nautical miles at 10 knots, while maintaining operational effectiveness in sea states up to 4.

Modular Ground Control Station

The autonomous vessel operates through a modular, portable Ground Control Station that provides comprehensive command and control capabilities for remote operators. This ground-based control system enables precise mission planning, real-time monitoring, and tactical adjustments during autonomous operations, ensuring optimal performance across diverse mission scenarios.

Export Potential and International Markets

The successful live-fire trials enhance SANCAR’s strong export potential for allied and partner navies seeking scalable, interoperable, and cost-effective autonomous naval solutions. The platform’s NATO-compliant architecture and field-proven capabilities position it competitively in international markets where navies are modernizing their fleets with unmanned systems.

Force Multiplication Capabilities

SANCAR AUSV functions as a genuine force multiplier for modern naval fleets through its combination of autonomy, modular payload capacity, and secure communications systems. The platform enhances operational flexibility while improving personnel safety by enabling remote operations in dangerous maritime environments, providing long-term operational value for naval forces.

Strategic Maritime Security Applications

In today’s unpredictable maritime security environment, SANCAR addresses the critical need for fast, agile, and fully autonomous platforms capable of responding to diverse threats. The system’s proven ability to operate independently while maintaining network connectivity makes it ideal for extended patrol missions, threat response scenarios, and coordinated fleet operations.

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The successful completion of live-fire trials establishes a foundation for continued SANCAR development and capability enhancement. Future upgrades may include additional weapon systems, enhanced sensor packages, and improved autonomous operation capabilities, ensuring the platform remains at the forefront of unmanned naval technology developments.

The SANCAR AUSV live-fire trials success represents a transformative achievement in autonomous naval warfare, demonstrating Turkey’s advanced capabilities in unmanned maritime systems development. Through successful integration of combat systems, autonomous operation capabilities, and network-centric warfare principles, SANCAR establishes new standards for autonomous naval platforms while providing modern navies with proven solutions for contemporary maritime security challenges and future operational requirements.

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