Bayonet 250 AUGV to Boost Marine Corps Mine Detection and Coastal Defense

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The United States Marine Corps has awarded a fixed-price contract worth $9 million to Greensea IQ for the procurement of the Bayonet 250 system, a cutting-edge Amphibious Unmanned Ground Vehicle (AUGV). This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in the modernization of the Marine Corps’ capabilities, particularly in littoral and surf zone operations. The Bayonet 250 is designed to operate in challenging coastal environments, offering a versatile and robust platform for a variety of military applications.

Bayonet 250. Photo: greenseaiq.com

Delivery of the Bayonet 250 units is scheduled to begin in September 2025, signaling the start of a new era in autonomous amphibious operations. These vehicles will be integrated into the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) system family, enhancing the Marine Corps’ ability to detect, identify, and neutralize explosive threats in near-shore environments. The collaboration between the Bayonet 250 and LEON systems is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and safety for personnel operating in hazardous coastal zones.

One of the standout features of the Bayonet 250 is its specialization for surf zone operations. The vehicle is engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of the surf, including strong currents, breaking waves, and shifting sands. Its rugged design and advanced mobility systems enable it to traverse these dynamic environments with ease, making it an invaluable asset for missions that require precise navigation and data collection in the surf zone.

The Bayonet 250 is also notable for its field-ready assembly capabilities. It can be assembled without the need for specialized tools, allowing for rapid deployment in remote or austere environments. This ease of assembly, combined with its portability, means that the vehicle can be operated by a team of just two personnel. Such efficiency in deployment and operation is crucial for expeditionary forces that must maintain a high level of mobility and responsiveness.

In terms of design, the Bayonet 250 is built to accommodate additional payloads and operational modules. Its size and structural configuration allow for the integration of various sensors, communication devices, and mission-specific equipment. This modularity ensures that the vehicle can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different missions, whether they involve reconnaissance, surveillance, data collection, or explosive ordnance disposal.

The vehicle’s ability to operate in severe weather and surf conditions is another key advantage. It is rated for open sea tolerance and adverse weather, ensuring that it can maintain functionality even in the most demanding operational scenarios. This resilience is critical for missions that cannot afford delays or failures due to environmental factors.

A central feature of the Bayonet 250 is the mast mounted on its mid-frame, which serves as a platform for a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS system. This high-precision GPS unit enables the vehicle to collect detailed survey data in the surf zone and surrounding environments. The integration of RTK GPS with the vehicle’s onboard navigation systems allows for the generation of accurate coastal maps and point cloud data, which are essential for mission planning and environmental analysis.

The Bayonet 250 is equipped with advanced sensors that can gather coordinate data and combine it with navigational information to produce comprehensive shoreline maps. These maps are invaluable for understanding the terrain, identifying potential hazards, and planning safe and effective routes for personnel and equipment. The data collected by the Bayonet 250 can also be used to support environmental monitoring and scientific research in coastal areas.

Operators of the Bayonet 250 have access to three distinct map planning options: straight-line, circular, and sawtooth patterns. These options allow for flexible mission planning based on the specific requirements of the operation. Additionally, users can define the spacing between planned routes, enabling precise control over the vehicle’s path and coverage area. Once the mission parameters are set, the Bayonet 250 autonomously executes its tasks, navigating the designated area and collecting data until the mission is complete.

The technical specifications of the Bayonet 250 further underscore its capabilities. It has standard dimensions of 48 x 48 x 15 inches and weighs approximately 390 pounds with its battery installed. The vehicle boasts a mission duration of around six hours, providing ample time for extended operations in the field. It is rated for a depth of up to 100 meters, allowing it to operate in both shallow and moderately deep waters. The deck capacity of the Bayonet 250 is 200 pounds, which can be sustained continuously, making it suitable for carrying a variety of payloads.

Built on the OPENSEA platform and powered by Greensea IQ’s proprietary IQNS (Intelligent Navigation System), the Bayonet 250 benefits from a robust and adaptable software architecture. This foundation enables seamless integration with other systems and supports advanced autonomous behaviors, including obstacle avoidance, adaptive path planning, and real-time decision-making. The IQNS also facilitates remote operation and monitoring, allowing operators to oversee missions from a safe distance.

The development and deployment of the Bayonet 250 reflect a broader trend in military technology toward increased autonomy and modularity. As threats become more complex and environments more unpredictable, the need for versatile and resilient unmanned systems has grown. The Bayonet 250 addresses this need by offering a platform that can be rapidly deployed, easily customized, and reliably operated in challenging conditions.

Moreover, the integration of the Bayonet 250 into the LEON system family highlights the importance of interoperability in modern military operations. By working in concert with other systems, the Bayonet 250 enhances the overall effectiveness of the Marine Corps’ littoral operations. This synergy not only improves mission outcomes but also reduces risk to personnel by enabling remote and autonomous execution of dangerous tasks.

The Bayonet 250 represents a significant advancement in amphibious unmanned ground vehicle technology. Its robust design, modular capabilities, and autonomous functionality make it a valuable asset for the United States Marine Corps. As the delivery of these vehicles begins in September 2025, they are poised to play a critical role in enhancing the Corps’ operational capabilities in coastal and surf zone environments. With its integration into the LEON system family and its ability to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention, the Bayonet 250 stands as a testament to the evolving nature of military technology and the increasing reliance on intelligent, unmanned systems in modern warfare.

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