Subsea Craft set to begin VICTA trials
Subsea Craft Ltd, a British advanced maritime technology business, is set to begin trials and testing of its pioneering UK-generated surface submersible craft, VICTA, designed to enable the discreet delivery and recovery of divers.
Above:
Computer generated impression of dive operators in part submerged VICTA.
Image courtesy Subsea Craft
VICTA is a unique and innovative craft, providing advanced Diver Delivery Unit (DDU). It transits at speed on the surface before diving rapidly to operate submerged. Funded by a private investor to the tune of £12 million, the company is seeking second-stage investment to enhance working capital profiles, strengthen the brand, expand its offering and infiltrate other sectors.Primarily aimed at the defence market,
Its distinctive form combines the characteristics of a Long-Range Insertion Craft (LRIC) with those of a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). Over the past two years the company has harnessed novel, market-leading technology to bring the vessel to life and VICTA is now in fit-out ahead of comprehensive trials and testing across the summer.
VICTA can reach speeds of up to 40 knots on the surface over a range of 250nm, whilst submerged the craft has an endurance of up to 4 hours - sufficient to cover 25nm with 2 crew and 6 operators.
This unique British maritime technology provides significant operational capability, broadening the options for commanders of Maritime, Joint and Special operations. Although focused on defence, there is potential utility elsewhere in the leisure, research and offshore energy sectors.
Scott Verney, CEO said: “In an uncertain world, nations seek an advantage that we can provide with VICTA. It is a game-changing capability that embraces a number of technological firsts, not least a leading-edge fly by wire control system that enables rapid and seamless transition from surface to full submersion in 120 seconds. The design allows for highly flexible deployment in any number of operational environments without recourse to expensive strategic assets.
“Subsea Craft is an agile and adaptive young business formed around a team that views the maritime technology sector through the lens of experience; we work closely with industry-leading partners to deliver an outstanding product and we are on track for trials and testing over the summer, with the aim of having the craft fully operational later this year.”
The Subsea Craft team have a strong commercial, military, technology and engineering background offering unrivalled potential to generate unique products and services for their customers.