SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Mk VIII

History of Navy SEALs (SDV) Mk VIII

The Navy SEAL (SDV) MK VIII was developed in 1975 by the U.S. UDT (Underwater Demolition Team)/SEA (SEa, Air and Land) team as a reusable submersible. The U.S. Navy SEALs are essentially the grandchildren of the World War II underwater demolition team, tasked with demolition of underwater beach obstacles and critical reconnaissance of shoreline terrain before conventional land forces attack. UDT teams at the time struggled with limited compressed air time and swimming endurance when launching from their PT boats or submarines, heading to the beach and finding their way back to sea.

This method of operation shortens mission time and limits the operation of this critical component to U.S. battlefield dominance. Therefore, SDV was finally developed.

As a submersible, the SDV can transport SEALs and their gear, extending missions while maintaining swimmers' personal energy levels for upcoming operations. SEAL pilots, co-pilots and passengers are in fully submerged compartments and use their own self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) during the mission.

Mission scenarios for these SEALs can include underwater reconnaissance and surveillance, beach and surf monitoring, and responding to swimmer attacks.

Any attack submarine can be customized to carry the ubiquitous SDV. A Dry Dock Shelter (DDS) is attached to the submarine's deck (behind the sails) and is installed in such a way that the submarine's weapons or sensor capabilities are not restricted or compromised in any way.

The DDS is portable and can be flown to its preset location and installed within 12 hours.

The SDV itself is powered by an electric propulsion system powered by rechargeable silver-zinc batteries. Battery issues were encountered with long missions, so the battery size was increased to compensate.

The round nose SDV is maintained by the pilot using ballast and trim controls in the cockpit to maintain lift and pitch attitude. To control the vertical and horizontal angles of the vehicle, the pilot has a joystick controller to operate the nose plane and rear rudder and elevator.

The Mini Dashboard supports Doppler Navigation Sonar showing speed, heading, depth and distance traveled. The electronics are sealed in a waterproof compartment designed for easy removal/replacement.

SEAL graduates are assigned to SDV School in Coronado, CA for approximately three months of training and upon graduation will be assigned to SEAL Team One in Hawaii or SEAL in Little Creek, Virginia Team two. This course focuses on diving and navigating the MK-VIII SDV in a variety of conditions and scenarios.

Because the spacecraft's operations can be very dangerous and highly technical -- the lives of the crew and SEALs are at risk -- it will take a lot of time to effectively control the SDV to reach its full potential. While many are dismissed, a SEAL SDV cadet can earn a hero's reputation when he graduates as an experienced pilot.

Of course, despite its Cold War heritage, the details of the SDV training program itself remain a closely guarded secret.

This is the emblem of the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Specification

Basic

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Performance

Performance