VECTORDEFENCE DRONE
INTELLIGENCE
INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE
THE EVOLVING FIELD GUIDE
Editor

Sea surface · Sea surface systems

MARTAC Devil Ray T38

A modular autonomous catamaran used for naval experimentation and range support, with an eight-day mission reported in 2026.

Role & capabilities

  • Maritime surveillance
  • Naval range instrumentation support
  • Modular payload carriage
In service / use documentedIn service / use documented
Primary domain
Sea surface
System type
Uncrewed surface vessel
Developer / manufacturer
Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC)
Origin / production countries
United States
Other names
T38 Devil Ray
Variants / configurations
T38 — modular payload configurations; other Devil Ray sizes are separate platforms
Operators / programme customers
United States NAWCWD Point Mugu Sea Range — supplier-documented ownership and use

Evidence & current status

Navy use is identified by the supplier. Published test claims are attributed; speed, range and payload maxima are not assumed simultaneous.

The T38 is the larger operationally documented member of MARTAC's current Devil Ray product line. Its carbon-fibre catamaran provides deck space for interchangeable sensors and mission equipment. It belongs alongside, but is not identical to, the smaller MANTAS and other Devil Ray models.

In May 2026 MARTAC reported an eight-day autonomous mission by a T38 owned and operated by the US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu. The activity supported the Navy's sea-range instrumentation programme. The company describes extended open-ocean operation without an onboard crew or escort, making this more specific evidence than a display model or proposed procurement.

The current manufacturer page gives a 12.2-metre length and a burst speed above 50 knots. Older descriptions can use the nominal 38-foot name and different speed claims. The endurance demonstration prioritised persistence, so it must not be read as eight days at burst speed. Manufacturer-reported range and environmental results remain specific to the tested configuration and operating conditions.

Sourced specifications

Figures apply to the named configuration. Maximum values are not guaranteed operating performance.

SpecificationReported valueContext & source
ConfigurationUncrewed modular catamaranSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Hull / propulsionCarbon-fibre hull; inboard diesel, optional petrol powertrainSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Dimensions12.2 m / 39.9 ft lengthCurrent product value; differs from older nominal 38-foot descriptions. Source ↗
Displacement / mass5,216 kg craft weightManufacturer does not define this as full-load displacement. Source ↗
Payload1,814 kg maximumSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Endurance192-hour mission reported in May 2026A particular endurance-focused demonstration, not at maximum speed. Source ↗
RangeOver 2,400 nautical miles claimed under endurance-focused conditionsSupplier extrapolation/validation claim with full fuel; not the distance stated as sailed in the eight-day event. Source ↗
Speed50+ knots burstSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Sea state / environmentUp to sea state 5 encountered in the reported 2026 missionObserved conditions in one supplier-reported event, not an all-mission certification. Source ↗
SensorsMission-specific modular instrumentation and sensorsSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Communications / controlAutonomous control; line-of-sight and satellite linksSupplier-published figure; configuration and operating conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Launch / deploymentNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public data gap; no estimate or neighbouring variant value substituted. Source ↗

Documented milestones

  1. Extended autonomous mission reported

    MARTAC reported a 192-hour mission by a Navy-owned T38.

    Read the announcement ↗

Publication history

  • — Added sourced land and maritime coverage with domain-specific evidence and limitations.

Suggest a correction to this entry →

Follow the evidence

Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.

  1. Current Devil Ray T38 product specification (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme
  2. Eight-day Navy sea-range mission report, 5 May 2026 (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme

Explore the connections

Field guideGlobal

Uncrewed surface vessels & naval drones

Understand surface vessels used for naval observation, survey, mine-countermeasure support and other maritime roles, from small craft to larger experimental ships.

Reviewed 20 Sept 2026Read