By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com
All photos and video clips contained in this article were shot by DefenseReview.com, and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these photos and video clips. The photos and video clips embedded below were shot with a Canon PowerShot S90 10-megapixel digital camera (still camera with video capability).
The following article is property of DefenseReview.com (DR) and is copyrighted material. If you are reading this article on another website other than DefenseReview.com, please email us the website address/URL (where the unauthorized DR article reprint is located) at defrev (at) gmail (dot) com. Thank you.
June 18, 2012
Since we're discussing STIDD Military Submersibles for Special Operations Forces (SOF), specifically U.S. Naval Special Warfare (SPECWAR) assaulters/operators, we should probably also mention that DefenseReview (DR) got to view and photograph the STIDD MRCC (Multi-Role Combatant Craft) submersible combat diver assault vehicle, which measures 32.5 feet (10 meters) and can carry 8 people (2 crew and up to 6 passengers). Billed as "the only submersible that allows divers and equipment to travel on the surface over long distances to the point of submering, minimizing divers immersion time in water," the MRCC is certainly a cool-looking submersible craft that looks both sleek and fast. Unfortunately, Defense Review didn't get the opportunity to see and shoot video of the MRCC in action. However, we hope our readers enjoy the accompanying photos we shot of the craft at the dock.
The STIDD MRCC submerges and re-surfaces via its Buoyancy Control System (BCS), which also allows it to become buoyancy-neutral. While it's on the surface and semi-submerged, power is provided by a "turbo-diesel waterjet propulsion package in a pressure-proof 'Engine-Room-in-a-Can' container. This propulsion system allows long-range operation with minimal acoustic and thermal/IR (Infrared) signatures. Once the MRCC submerges, the battery-powered high-efficiency electric thrusters and ducted propellers take over. The operator can re-charge the MRCC's batteries at sea when surfaced.
Optional hardpoints provide for the mounting of multiple weapons systems. The following integrated electronics are available as options:
– Forward
-Looking SONAR
– Multi-Function Flat-Screen Displays
– Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and Navigation
– System Monitoring and Controls
– Surface/Submerged Tactical Communication Systems
An "Electronic Antenna Mast" (EAM) is now available as an option. The EAM "enables both surface navigation and communications" and automatically retracts/lowers to the stowed position when required.
The following MRCC information, exept for our addition of "GOPLATS", comes directly from the STIDD 2012 brochure:
Maritime Application of MRCC Capabilities:
– Underwater reconnaissance
– Littoral combat
– Insertion and extraction
– Non-combatant evacuation operations – Maritime interdiction operations
– Intelligence collection
– Visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) missions/operations
– Gas and oil platforms (GOPLATS) boarding missions/operations
– Harbor Penetration
– Harbor penetration
– Low-profile exfil/extraction of non-swimmer
– Ship attack, tagging, tracking, locating
– Sensor emplacement and monitoring
– Submerged cache for extended operations ashore
Company Contact Info:
STIDD Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 87
Greenport, NY 11944
Phone: 631-477-2400 Ext. 158
Fax: 631-477-1095
Email: sales@stiddmil.com
Website: http://stiddmil.com
© Copyright 2012 DefenseReview.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without receiving permission and providing proper credit and appropriate links.
Related Articles:
Amphibious Combat Vehicles: James Bond Tech for U.S. Military Special Operations
Armorflate Anti-7.62x39mm Armor Protection for Military Waterborne SPECOPS