After several other failed projects, and two years later than expected, the Navy SEALs will finally receive a "dry" mini-submarine called the Dry Combat Submersible or DCS.
SEALs have a unique capability within the special operations world in which they can man mini-subs and lockout of a larger submarine via a dry dock. From there, they can covertly infiltrate enemy shores and conduct secret missions.
However, a limitation of previous SEAL delivery vehicles is that they were "wet" meaning that divers were exposed to the open water while wearing wetsuits and rebreathers. With the DCS, SEALs will remain inside a dry interior so that they are no longer exposed to the elements, giving them longer operational timeframes to work with. The DCS also does not require a separate dry dock and is mounted directly to a larger submarine.
It was announced at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida that the DCS will be operational within the next few months.
The DCS has a total crew of ten men, two pilots and eight SEALs. Running off saltwater aluminum batteries, the DCS has triple the range of the old SEAL delivery vehicle although the actual distance remains classified. The mini-sub can reach depths of 100 meters and features a hatch for divers to lock in or lockout of, so that the sub can remain underwater while divers conduct their mission.
Sources within the Naval Special Operations community have informed Connecting Vets that Naval Special Warfare has obtained additional funding to revamp its sub-surface capabilities, which are deemed to be of increased importance in a peer or near-peer conflict.
Want to get more connected to the stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Reach Jack Murphy: jack@connectingvets.com or @JackMurphyRGR.
Related
