Lockheed Martin is leveraging its proven capabilities and technology with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) toward the application of the Marlin class of AUVs for use in offshore oil and gas, science and oceanography, and other applications.
 
The highly-advanced Marlin AUV has been developed for a range of civilian and military customers who require a quick and safe way to conduct subsea surveys and inspections. Packed with an array of sensors and capabilities that can be tailored to diverse customer requirements, the Marlin operates in challenging environments throughout the water column.

The ten-foot long submersible, which can carry a payload of up to 250 pounds, delivers key features unparalleled in the AUV market. The hydrodynamic design and thruster arrangement enables hover capability and high maneuverability in tight spaces. Vertical thrusters ensure operation from freshwater to seawater for missions in lakes, rivers, estuaries, harbors, ports, coastal regions and oceans. Fully integrated autonomous launch and recovery capability enables subsurface recovery extending the operational window in high-seas states.  These features coupled with modular high payload capacity and endurance allows Marlin to execute missions for commercial, scientific and military applications in a cost-effective manner.

The Marlin AUV is well-suited for use in the oil and gas industry to inspect offshore structures and pipelines, especially after severe weather strikes, such as hurricanes. The Marlin's high-resolution optical and acoustic sensor package can provide 3-D pictures up to 1,000 feet beneath the surface and rapidly inspect for potential damage, eliminating the need for divers in these dangerous conditions. The Marlin is highly maneuverable and able to operate in tight spaces, sprint up to four knots and cruise for up to 16 hours.

"We developed the Marlin from our extensive AUV systems experience to fill a need in the commercial sector," said Dan McLeod, Senior Program Manager Lockheed Martin MS2 business unit in Riviera Beach. "The Marlin's advanced autonomous functions and cutting edge technology will deliver game changing capabilities for our customers."