The SDV can transport six Special Operations divers and their equipment on and under the surface. The diver team conducting the trials is part of the reconnaissance unit in the Amphibious Battalion that is mainly tasked to execute forward surveillance. The surface/sub-surface vehicle gives the unit a unique capacity regarding endurance, equipment and sustainability.
On the surface the DGB performs like a fast RIB and is powered by a diesel engine and water jet propulsion. The same propulsion system is used when the vehicle is semi-submerged giving the DGB a low detection signature with only a minor part of the upper hull visible. This mode is feasible by flooding the hull of the vehicle, leaving only the cockpit portion of the vehicle visible.
Submerged, the DGB is powered by four electric thrusters. A large supply of compressed air gives air to valves, ballast tanks and a BIB-system for the divers. The divers´ personal oxygen breathing system is used when the team leaves the vehicle on the sea bottom.
The DGB is 10 meters long, has a weight of approx. 4 tons and a surface speed of 30 plus knots. The initial (Phase 1) trials were conducted at the First Amphibious Regiment (Amf 1) at Berga outside Stockholm.
The system is designed and built by DCE AB of Sweden (www.TheSEAL.se).