VICTA continues to take shape in the UK
The diver delivery system is on course to become operational late next year, says manufacturer SubSea Craft
UK-based advanced maritime technology business SubSea Craft has revealed new images of construction progress on its VICTA diver delivery system as it enters the final build phase.
CEO Scott Verney said: ‘We are on track for trials and testing this coming winter, with the aim of having the craft operational late 2021.’
The craft is made of carbon fibre with a Diab core: a lightweight construction many times stronger than fibreglass, according to SubSea Craft.
As a result, the company stated on 5 October, ‘VICTA will be faster and more manoeuvrable than comparable craft’.
VICTA can deploy and recover up to eight operatives (two crew and six divers). Powered by a submarinised SeaTek 725hp diesel engine, it can achieve surface speeds of up to 40kt over a range of 250nm. The engine is being tested at a SubSea Craft facility.
For underwater operations, the diver delivery system uses two SubCtech lithium-ion battery packs. These batteries generate sufficient energy to power the submersible for up to four hours (or a distance of 25nm) with two crew and six operators.
After the diesel engine is installed on VICTA, SubSea Craft will integrate C2 systems and an obstacle avoidance radar that generates a 3D picture of the sea floor out to 600m and down to 100m.
In a final stage before sea trials and testing, acrylic windows, hatches, hinges and the life-support system will be installed.
SubSea Craft has £12 million ($15.5 million) of private investment but it is now seeking second-stage investment.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
