Mid-Sized Autonomous Research Vehicle (MARV)

The Mid-Sized Autonomous Research Vehicle (MARV) is an unmanned underwater vehicle used for testing and evaluation by Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport (NUWC).  The 16.5 feet long UUV can operate at depths of up to 1,500 feet with an endurance of 14 hours.  The system was developed in 2005.

Past test payloads have included a four channel chemical analyzer made by SubChem Systems, Inc. and color video cameras. More recently, MARV has been used to test wireless underwater charging. On July 3, 2015 Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) demonstrated a successful transfer of power wirelessly from an underwater docking station to the MARV's battery in a 6,000 gallon tank at its West Bethesda, Maryland facility.  The submerged battery was charged at 2 kilowatts.