Mini-Submarines Covertly Transport Soldiers From Nuclear Submarines

Mini-Submarines Covertly Transport Soldiers From Nuclear Submarines

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The United States Navy SEALS are made up of some of the most elite soldiers in the world. Trained to operate on coastlines, ships, and on land, Navy SEALS often are often deployed to missions from nuclear attack submarines, miles away from their target. The SEALS then utilize a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SVD) to help them reach their destination. 

The SDV Mk.8 Mod 0, also known as the “Gator Class” SDV, is a small, low profile mini-submarine that is used to transport a number of SEALS underwater to their destination. Named after James “Gator” Parks, a retired SEAL and engineer who was a major driving force in the development of the SDV, the SDV allows SEALS to covertly enter enemy territory underwater whenever parachuting or simply crossing on foot aren’t an option.

The Gator SDVs are capable of carrying between six to eight SEALS and their gear. In the front of the mini-submarine there are two SEALS, the driver and navigator, with four to six passengers sitting in the rear. The mini-submarines have extra storage containers for mission gear such as LAM mines, magnetic mines that attach to a ships hull to blow a hole in it.

There is no place to stand while onboard the SDV. SEALS use these SDVs strictly for reaching their destination. When SEALS are onboard the mini-submarine they are already in their wetsuits, ready for their mission. The soldiers onboard breathe oxygen from the vehicle’s supply, this keeps each SEAL’s individual oxygen tank maxed out for the operation.

Popularmechanics.com reports that the SDVs are powered by onboard batteries and electric motors. The vehicle is propelled by a single propeller and controlled via hydroplanes and rudders. The submarine is capable of reaching speeds up to six knots at best. This may be slow, however it keeps the mini-submarine quiet and harder to detect on enemy radar.

The Mark 8 SDV is used by the United States Navy SEALS as well as the United Kingdom’s Special Boat Service, the British naval commando force. The SDV was first introduced in the 1980s and is currently in the process of being replaced by a newer mini-submarine, the Mark 11.