Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Submergence Group LLC, will manufacture
Dry Combat Submersibles (DCS) that will transport personnel to their
mission sites while submerged. These vehicles have longer endurance
and operate at greater depths than swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV) in
use. |
Under
the terms of the $166 million U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
contract, Lockheed Martin will build as many as three DCS vehicles over
the next five years. The vehicles will weigh more than 30 tons, be launched
from surface ships, and be able to travel long distances underwater.
Currently, personnel transiting underwater use the SDV to reach their
final destination – the personnel are in dive gear and exposed
to the undersea environment. DCS allows the personnel to get closer
to their destination before they enter the water, and be more effective
upon arrival.
“Our advancements in undersea technologies will ensure personnel
are equipped with technologically capable and adaptable systems that
can easily be refreshed with the latest capabilities,” said Erika
Marshall, general manager and program director at Lockheed Martin’s
site in Palm Beach. “These reliable undersea vehicles will protect
personnel, ensure they arrive ready to execute their mission, and return
them safely.”
With over 50 years of manned submersible experience, Lockheed Martin
continues to advance undersea submersible technology to improve inspection
and combat capability, while assuring operational safety.
Lockheed Martin is partnered with Submergence Group, LLC to build, integrate,
test, and deliver up to three submersibles to USSOCOM. Work will be
performed in Plymouth, United Kingdom, and Palm Beach County, Florida.
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Lockheed Martin’s Dry Combat Submersible delivers personnel to
and from their missions. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin’s Dry Combat Submersible delivers personnel to and
from their missions. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.