The delivery unit of US Marine Special Forces Proteus SDV
This underwater vehicle belongs to the class of so-called underwater vehicles with two modes DMUV (Dual Mode Underwater Vehicle). That is, it can work either as a standard SDV (SEAL Delivery Vehicle) with a pilot and navigator, or as an automatic underwater vehicle with a large displacement unit LDUUV (Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle). In fact, it can work in both modes when performing the same task, offering incomparable combat flexibility. The combination of a large internal volume, advanced navigation system and high reliability also means that it can be used as a submarine truck that secretly delivers cargo (including passengers, sensors, ammunition and supplies) to combat groups in the field or in high-risk areas. The tasks of SDV systems include mine action; The Proteus apparatus, which is also capable of fighting mines, is no exception. And its autonomous capabilities make it stand out against the background of other systems, at least for the time being.
In appearance, we can conclude that this device is based on the SDV Mk.8 model, but this is by no means the case, it differs in almost all parameters. The overall shape is more cylindrical with rounded sleek contours of the nose and narrowed tail with X-shaped tail rudders with low hydrodynamic resistance. Like other SDV devices, Proteus does not have a window, but a multibeam sonar for detecting obstacles OAS (Obstacle Avoidance Sonar) operating at 300 kHz, a GPS system and four cameras to increase situational awareness are installed in the bow of the vessel. The maneuverability of the device is provided by four hydro-jet propellers, two mounted vertically and two horizontally. Although, like the Mk.8 model, there are landing and landing hatches located in the fore and aft parts, but installing an onboard air supply system (total capacity 10 400 liters) and ballast tanks in a circle on the outer side of the hull allows the crew to move freely the whole space inside the submarine. In the previous version of the Mk.8 it was impossible, the two compartments were completely separate. The combination of Doppler pulse radar and Photonic inertial navigation system based on an Inertial Navigation System (PHINS) fiber-optic gyroscope is used for underwater navigation.
These photographs clearly show the circular placement of air tanks (for the crew’s breathing) and ballast tanks, which made it possible to obtain a passage between the two compartments. In the floor in the passage there is a hatch in the style of a bomb compartment.
Device device Proteus SDV
Notation
A. Sliding light (nose compartment)
B. Sliding Lantern (aft)
C. Tail X-shaped handlebars
D. External storage guides
E. Large Magnetic Mine (LAM)
F. Torpedo Tube
G. Combat Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) High Speed Torpedo / Common Very Light Weight Torpedo (CVLWT) ASW
H. Mobile mine 533 mm (21 ")
1. Sonar OAS obstacle detection (Obstacle Avoidance Sounar)
2. Front Balance Tank
3. Horizontal hydro jet propeller
4. Vertical Hydro Jet Propulsion
5. Nose cargo / passenger compartment
6. Air tanks for the respiratory system
7. Folding mast (two)
8. Stern cargo / passenger compartment
9. Rear balancing tank
10. Horizontal hydro jet propeller
11. Vertical Hydro Jet Propulsion
12. Electric motor
13. Silent screw
14. Navigation Sphere
15. Lithium polymer batteries
16. Automatic ballast system
17. Bomb compartments of the central cargo compartment
18. Lithium polymer batteries
Features
Length: 7,82 m
Width: 1,61 m
Height: 1,62 m
Displacement: 4120 kg
Speed: 10 nodes maximum, 8 nodes cruising
Sailing range: not declared. Significant, some sources claim 900 miles; when managing a person is much less (depends on the endurance of the operator)
Maximum working depth: 50 meters (manned mode), 70 meters (unmanned mode)
Crew: 2 person (optional) plus four passengers (or six passengers)
Load capacity: 2 x 900 kg on outdoor anchorage sites (storage containers, mobile mines, magnetic mines (LAM), CRAW high-speed torpedo / light anti-submarine torpedo CVLWT, missiles or torpedoes)
Batteries: 148 kWh base, 296 kWh external lithium polymer
Masts: two
Communications: (on the surface): Iridium satellite system, free wave, VHF communications; (when immersed): Benthos modem, OTS divers communication system; (internal): intercom system
Exterior Suspension
2 external container
2 x 2 container for missile / mobile mines / underwater vehicles
2 container for missile / mobile mines / underwater vehicles
4 Medium Mines
Materials used:
www.hisutton.com
en.wikipedia.org
Information