Underwater Vessels

The SBS employ highly specialised vehicles for the difficult and dangerous task of operating underwater.

Mini-subs and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs)

2/4/6 man mini-submarines are used to transport SBS sabotage teams into enemy shorelines and harbors or to clandestinely approach MCT objectives. The mini-subs are launched from submarine motherships, often many miles from the final objective. The SBS have used a mixture of home-grown SDVs and off-the-shelf U.S. models.

It's reported by Jane's Fighting Ships that the SBS bought at least 3 Mk VIII Mod 1 SDVs from US manufacturers in 1999. These battery-powered mini-subs are able to carry 6 SBS frogmen up to 36 nautical miles.

According to reports, the SBS's ability to deploy SDVs ended when HMS Spartan, the only UK submarine equipped with the dry dock facilities required for SDV operations, was withdrawn from service in 2006. New 'Astute' class submarines with suitable dry docks will come into service in 2009. Until then, the SBS will have to find other ways to sneak ashore.

Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs)

DPVs are eletrically powered, propellor-driven units designed to pull one or two frogmen along underwater. Divers clip or hold on to the unit while travelling. The Exact types of DPVs employed by the SBS are not publically known.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)

The underwater equivalent of airborne UAVs such as the Predator drone, the newly developed Talisman UUV from BAE systems is a remote controlled stealth submarine that has the capability to perform shoreline reconnaissance. The SBS would use the Talisman to complement their own missions or even to go into situations when the risks may be deemed to high, or conditions unsuitable, for human operators.

related links/articles:
BAE SYSTEMS LAUNCHES TALISMAN AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER SYSTEM
(BAE press release)
Stealth sub to give navy's SAS a hidden edge
(Times newspaper report)

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