Sea Machines Robotics is supplying its SM300 autonomous command and control system for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV) program, the company said in a statement. The vessel, developed by Leidos and Gibbs & Cox (a Leidos subsidiary), is designed for uncrewed surface logistics operations in contested maritime environments.
Known as the Sea Specter, the ALPV is a 65’ semi-submersible unmanned surface vessel (USV). Sea Machines noted its design draws from low-profile craft previously used for illicit smuggling and features low visual, radar, and infrared signatures, characteristics that enable it to operate with a reduced chance of detection.
The ALPV is powered by a 230-hp Cummins diesel engine and can carry between 2,000 and 4,627 kg of cargo, Sea Machines said. The vessel has a range of up to 2,200 nm at a cruising speed of 8 knots. The payload compartment measures 29’ in length.
Sea Machines said its SM300 system provides autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, remote operations over long-range and line-of-sight connections, and situational awareness. These features are intended to support operations in communication-denied or high-risk zones, the company said.
The vessel has been undergoing field testing since 2023 and was evaluated during Project Convergence Capstone 4, a joint and multinational exercise led by the U.S. Army.
