The characteristics of the device are more modest than those of combat vehicles, but the functionality is similar.
Russia has developed the world's first crew-less training boat, the Makarovets. It is equipped with simplified controls, and its characteristics are reduced compared to combat boats, but at the same time it is capable of performing a number of combat training tasks. The device can carry aerial and underwater drones on board, as well as a combat firearm module. Such boats will be useful not only for training cadets, but also for training fleet forces, experts say.
Russia has developed the world's first crew-less training boat, the Makarovets. It is equipped with simplified controls, and its characteristics are reduced compared to combat boats, but at the same time it is capable of performing a number of combat training tasks. The device can carry aerial and underwater drones on board, as well as a combat firearm module. Such boats will be useful not only for training cadets, but also for training fleet forces, experts say.
What is the crew-less boat "Makarovets"?
The world's first unmanned training boat has been developed for the Navy. The new marine drone will help train operators. It is specially designed for the convenience of students. The device is equipped with a control system (radio and Wi-Fi) and has simplified controls. It is powered by two electric motors.
"The Makarovets BEC is designed to train cadets in the operation and management of a crewless boat," a representative of the North Pacific Higher Naval School (TOVVMU) told Izvestia. — It can perform the following tasks: a training boat; serve as a platform for testing various payload modules; act as a small surface target, that is, to simulate the enemy's back; perform the tasks of an unmanned mine reconnaissance boat (equipped with remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicles).
The characteristics of the boat are quite modest, since neither high speed nor range is needed for training purposes. The device can travel up to 10 km, and its maximum speed is 10 knots.
At the same time, it is almost identical in functionality to full-fledged combat surface drones and, if necessary, will be able to perform their functions. The Makarovets is capable of carrying remote-controlled and autonomous uncontrolled underwater vehicles with launching devices, a drone launch pad, and a combat firearm module.
— The Makarovets fuel tank was tested in two stages: the first was carried out in an experimental pool, where all components and mechanisms, the casing against leaks and the autonomous operation of electric motors were checked. The second stage took place in the water area of the boat base in marine conditions, where speed and maneuverability characteristics were determined," said a representative of the TOVVMU.
Unmanned boats have a great future and in the very near future they will be in service with most countries of the world that have naval forces, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov is sure.
"It's better to study any weapon from the cadet days," he explained. — The new platform is designed in such a way that it will allow you to study the management of backups of various models and modifications. Depending on the module installed on them, it will be possible to practice the work of attack boats, kamikaze back-up and even mine defense devices. This will allow the cadets to work out a wide range of possible combat missions that boats can solve. This versatility will save serious money.
Backups will be useful not only for cadets, said Ekpert.
"They are well suited for exercises where tasks of protecting ships or ports from unmanned surface vehicles will be worked out," the expert believes. — We have already encountered such attacks on the Black Sea, generalized the experience gained, and took measures. Practical training on the destruction of such targets is necessary in all Russian fleets and the Caspian Flotilla. We need to be prepared that backups can be used against us in other potential theaters of military operations.
Training backs should be enrolled in higher naval schools as soon as possible, said military expert Captain of the first rank Vasily Dandykin.
"We see that such devices are actively used in combat operations," he said. — So, recently our unmanned boat destroyed the Ukrainian reconnaissance ship Simferopol in the Danube Delta. As you can see, the effectiveness of the new weapon has been proven. Now we need to raise officers who can use them competently. This requires, first of all, a good educational base, and it is necessary right now so that graduates next year will be full-fledged specialists in the use of such technology.
It is quite easy to saturate fleets with backups, Vasily Dandykin noted.
"This is not a cruiser that needs to be built over the years," he said. — In a year or two, many countries around the world will have fleets of such devices.
Ideally, training vehicles should quickly become combat vehicles.
"Pilots are learning to fly Yak—130 aircraft, which can quickly turn into a light attack aircraft, and if necessary, take part in battles, just as in the case of cadet backups, they should be able to be converted into combat vehicles," the expert noted.
What unmanned boats are being developed in Russia
Last year, the Russian Navy's combat training program included a new training course for crew-less boat operators. It consists of theoretical and practical exercises. Some of the events are held at night. Currently, the armed forces, based on the experience gained during their military training, are updating existing and developing new training programs for military personnel, and the training course for backup operators is one of them.
Unmanned platforms of various sizes are being developed in Russia. Recently, the Marlin unmanned kamikaze small displacement boat was created. It exists in two versions — river and sea. Rechnaya carries 1.5 kg of explosives and is designed to destroy enemy watercraft and amphibious assault. The marine can carry 2 kg, its task is to protect ships from unmanned enemy boats. Backup control is carried out in the same way as FPV drones.
In addition, the serial production of a heavy multifunctional returnable marine drone based on the unmanned boat "Vizir" has begun. He can work unaccompanied by an operator — on artificial intelligence and program management. The device can be used for cargo delivery, reconnaissance, and it can also carry guided weapons on board. The back is 7 m long and 2.5 m wide. It can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, and its range is up to 270 miles. A special platform allows you to work in conditions of unrest, strong wind and maintain set goals. "Vizir" is a reusable drone, it returns to its starting point after the time has elapsed or after passing through pre—set points.
Last year, Russia began production of multifunctional unmanned boats that can carry 20 kg of cargo. They can be used as a kamikaze or a platform for UAVs. Two FPV drones or one reconnaissance UAV can be placed on the backup.
Roman Kretsul
Bogdan Stepovoy
