SubSea Craft, headquartered in the UK has entered a collaboration with Capewell Europe to investigate the feasibility of deploying its Victa diver delivery unit (DDU) prototype via Capewell’s Universal Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (UMCADS). This partnership not only aims to bolster the evidence supporting Victa as an air-deployable asset but also showcases the adaptability of Capewell’s UMCADS. SubSea Craft’s focus on Victa’s deployability flexibility aligns with the company’s strategic goal of broadening deployment options for challenging scenarios. The configurable nature of UMCADS offers versatility not only for Victa but also for other developmental concepts.
Originally introduced at the DSEI 2019 exhibition in London, the initial Victa prototype attained proof-of-concept certification in late 2023, marking progress towards manufacturing the second production-standard vessel. SubSea Craft has been engaging potential clients through demonstrations of Victa while conducting waterborne trials to refine the craft’s performance. The VICTA platform represents a maritime delivery system capable of swift surface transit followed by seamless transition to a submerged mode for discreet deployment of personnel and/or equipment. The platform is deployable as an individual asset or as a force multiplier, enhancing maritime operations through networked, crewed, or autonomous modes.
The concept, developed through extensive research with input from operators, military strategists, and supporting force elements worldwide, integrates local British engineering expertise, innovative design, and development. The SSC team has engineered a craft capable of swift and effortless transitioning between surface and sub-surface domains while maintaining exceptional performance in both environments. Crafted from carbon fiber and Diab core, the Victa DDU combines the characteristics of a long-range insertion vessel with those of a swimmer delivery vehicle, offering the capability to swiftly traverse the surface before executing submerged operations for clandestine deployment of up to eight operators or equipment.
Impressive performance on the surface (40kts and 250nm endurance) is matched by equally striking specification under water where 4hrs endurance is sufficient to navigate 2 crew and 6 divers for 25nm. Compatibility with a standard ISO shipping container make it widely deployable. However, modular design approach to payload means that the craft is easily configurable. Through a standardised rail system to carry personnel, combat supplies, or alternative mission-specific systems. This flexibility enables multiple mission types across combat functions including: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR); Fires; Manoeuvre; Protection; Command; or Combat Service Support – all delivering tactical effect in support of strategic aims.
