Shallow Water Combat Submersible
| 300px | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Teledyne Brown Engineering[1] |
| Operators: | United States Navy |
| Preceded by: | SEAL Delivery Vehicle |
| Cost: | $383 million (program cost)[2] |
| Planned: | 10[3] |
| Completed: | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Submersible, diver propulsion vehicle |
| Displacement: | 4.5 tonnes (5.0 short tons)[1] |
| Length: | 6.8 meters (22 ft)[1] |
| Beam: | 1.5 meters (4.9 ft)[1] |
| Draft: | 1.5 meters (4.9 ft)[1] |
| Propulsion: | Lithium-ion batteries powering electric motors |
| Speed: | 6 kn (11 km/h) |
| Endurance: | 12 hours[4] |
| Complement: | 6 (2 crew, 4 passengers)[1] |
| Sensors and processing systems: |
Inertial Navigation System, high frequency sonar for obstacle/mine avoidance and navigation, GPS |
| Armament: | SEAL team personal weapons, limpet mines |
The Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) is a manned submersible and a type of swimmer delivery vehicle that is planned to be used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions. It will replace the current SEAL Delivery Vehicle. The Navy plans to introduce the SWCS in 2018.[5]
History
Teledyne Brown Engineering was awarded the contract to develop the SWCS in 2011. The $383 million contract provides for the construction of 10 submersibles, the first of which is expected to enter service is 2018. The Columbia Group, which builds and provides support for the existing Mark 8 SEAL Delivery Vehicle,[6] also works on the program.[3] As of May 2018[update], the prototype boat has been built and is undergoing testing.[7][8]
Design
SWCS will be deployable from surface ships, land, and Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) on submarines.[9] The SWCS is 12 inches (30 cm) longer and 6 inches (15 cm) taller than its predecessor, the Mark 8 SDV.[7] This will require modifying the DDS to accommodate it.[9] The SWCS will also be about 4,000 pounds (1.8 t) heavier than its predecessor and will have more advanced computer systems and better navigation,[7] with new systems including an electro-optical periscope, sonar detectors, and automatic docking.[4]
The SWCS' larger dimensions will require expanding the DDS to accommodate it. The Navy plans to lengthen the DDS by 50 inches (1.3 m) and triple its weight capacity.[8]
References
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