This revolutionary craft combines the speed, range and capacity of a Long-Range Insertion Craft (LRIC) with the stealth and versatility of a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV).
Specifically designed around the operator, its 30 kt+ speed, 250 nm endurance and 2-minute transition between surface and sub-surface, enables delivery of 8 operators and their equipment to their objective ‘mission-ready’ before recovering them. Offering leading-edge design and manufacture and providing truly formidable operational flexibility, VICTA opens up potentially game-changing tactical and strategic choices in maritime, joint and special operations.
Easily transportable to and within an operational theatre, and inter-operable with the most commonly employed lift assets, VICTA is designed to operate independently of costly strategic platforms particularly, from surface vessels and ports of opportunity. Its compatibility with a standard ISO shipping container means it can easily and discreetly be moved to an area of operation whilst, equally, it can be lifted within the cargo bay of standard air-transports, most typically, the Lockheed C130 Hercules, or underslung from heavy-lift helicopters, typically the Boeing CH-47 Chinook.
Propulsion is provided by a 725 hp Seatek diesel engine powering Kongsberg Kamewa waterjets. Twin Marine Propulsion 20 kW electric thrusters propel the craft sub-surface while four vertically-mounted Copenhagen thrusters provide accurate slow-speed depth control.
The craft is fully fly-by-wire and will be ‘flown’ under water, with roll and pitch control through forward and aft hydroplanes while control in both dimensions is exercised through the same purpose-built steering columns, giving the pilot a common interface for both surfaced and sub-surface running.
“VICTA adds a unique new dimension to maritime operations. For the first time, defence and security organisations can deploy a craft that travels at speed over remarkable distances on the surface, before diving to approach their objective unseen. VICTA will transform capabilities in high-risk environments.”
Graham Allen, Chairman, SubSea Craft
