Is This a Boat or a Submarine?

Is This a Boat or a Submarine?

What’s the name of a powerboat that transforms into a submarine while doubling as a stealth gunship? Meet the Seal Carrier. This 8-man Swimmer Delivery Vehicle is capable of operating in three distinct modes: surface, semi-submerged, and submerged. When operating on the surface, it races at speeds exceeding 30 knots, covering a 300-nautical-mile range via a 350 horsepower diesel engine that powers two water jets. Embracing active defense measures, it stands ready against potential threats. When stealth becomes crucial, it seamlessly shifts to semi-submerged mode, utilizing a snorkel for air intake, maintaining a steady speed of around 10 knots.
For ultimate stealth and strategic maneuvering, it seamlessly transitions to submerged mode, equipped with specialized breathing systems for operatives. As the carrier prioritizes swift maneuverability between its diverse modes, it lacks a pressurized cabin, as it would delay mode transitions.

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Note: "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."


ADDITIONAL READINGS:
SEAL Carrier is an 8-man Swimmer Delivery
Vehicle designed for the covert insertion and
extraction of combat diver units.
The sophisticated interplay between the
constituent systems, not least the two propulsion
systems, enables the vehicle to operate in three
modes: surface-mode, semi-submerged mode,
and submerged mode.
SEAL Carrier allows for long range insertion and
extraction via the combined use of surface and
semi-submerged modes. If an increased risk
of detection is identified, the craft can quickly
transition from surface to submerged mode in
order to reduce its signature further. The transition
between the modes is done seamlessly, with no
change in pilot handling or disruption in forward
speed.
During the approach to the Area of Operation,
SEAL Carrier remains fully submerged to remain
undetected. Once at the target, with the divers
deployed, the SEAL Carrier may be cached on the
sea-bed for extraction at a later time.
Onboard sensors and navigation systems work
together to provide safe transit and accurate
positioning day and night, above or below the
surface of the water, regardless of vehicle speed
or environmental conditions.
In addition to divers and their personal equipment,
SEAL Carrier accommodates additional mission
equipment such as sensor- and radio equipment,
ammunition and explosives, survival equipment
and supplies. For operations requiring extended
range, the craft can carry additional fuel stored in a
separate fuel tank or additional battery packs.

C O N C E P T O F O P E R AT I O N S
Deployment
The SEAL Air Delivery System allows SEAL
Carrier to be deployed from transport aircraft
via low-level extraction drop. A medium-lift
helicopter may also be used for low-altitude
deployment and recovery.
Air-Drop
On the surface, SEAL Carrier is quickly
released from her deployment frame and the
crew embark for rapid surface transit.
For more information about deployment and
recovery options, see page 10
Surface Mode
In surface mode, SEAL Carrier travels at
speeds in excess of 30 knots for up to 150
nautical miles, or 300 nautical miles with an
optional secondary fuel bag.
For more information about surface mode,
see page 8
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Concept of Operations - 6
Commercial in ConfidenceSemi-submerged Mode
If an increased risk is detected, SEAL
Carrier can seamlessly transition to SemiSubmerged mode for a much reduced
signature.
For more information, see page 8
Vehicle Caching
At the target, SEAL Carrier may be cached
for the crew to return to at the end of their
mission, or for extraction at a later time.
Alternatively, the Pilot and Navigator may stay
with the vehicle to provide mission support,
or for withdrawal and extraction.
Submerged Mode
Upon final approach to the target, or in
situations where maximum stealth is required,
SEAL Carrier dives to depths of 40 - 50 m.
In submerged mode, SEAL Carrier can travel
for upto 15 nautical miles at speeds upto 3
knots.