UK underwater systems specialist JDF presented a ‘productionised’ version of its Shadow Seal swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) at the DSEI 2023 defence exhibition, held in London from 12-15 September.
The latest Shadow Seal features a number of upgrades, the most notable of which is a bank of eight 10 kW batteries for a total power output of 80 kW compared to the 16 kW power of its predecessor. This gives it a surface range of 80 n miles at 4.5 kts or a subsurface range of 25 n miles at 3.5 kts.
Another enhancement featuring on the ‘productionised’ Shadow Seal is the incorporation of 360° controllable rear thrusters, negating the need for bow thrusters on the older version. Using these the vessel can be bottomed out on the seabed, with Alistair Wilson, strategy and sales director for JFD, telling ESD that the Shadow Seal can sit in conditions of Sea State 5 without being tumbled. The latest Shadow Seal also has an improved navigation system.
The Shadow Seal, which JFD terms a tactical diving vehicle (TDV), is a four-person vessel that entered the JFD portfolio through its acquisition of Dutch company Ortega Submersibles in August 2019. The vessel, which is 8 m long and 1.88 m wide, carries up to two personnel in each of two compartments and can be piloted from either of these stations. It can thus deliver three operators or alternatively be bottomed out and shut down in shallow water to allow four divers to be deployed.
The vessel is 2.18 high, or 4.12 m when its mast is fully extended, and weighs 2.5 tonnes.
Wilson told ESD that, following its appearance at DSEI, the Shadow Seal would very soon begin water trials in the Clyde out of the company’s facility at Inchinnan near Glasgow.
Peter Felstead
