VICTA

Where innovation, technology and experience combine to create the world's most advanced diver delivery unit – VICTA.

VICTA combines the characteristics of a fast surface craft with those of a submersible. It moves quickly and seamlessly from surface to sub-surface and this transition, along with its performance in both domains is enabled by an innovative fly-by-wire control system.

Impressive performance on the surface (c40kts 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 and the experience of a former Special Forces operator and SDV pilot with over 28 years surface and sub-surface operational experience has enabled a design that reflects the needs of the operator.

VICTA enables the inconspicuous insertion and extraction of mission-ready capability at range and as such, it broadens the spectrum of operational options on offer to commanders of Maritime, Joint and Special Operations.

Control system

VICTA's unique multiplex controller is designed around proven Controller Area Network (CAN) technologies allowing common architecture and integration. The craft is fully fly-by-wire, with an advanced control system developed in-house by BAR Technologies. Using experience gained from previous America's Cup and Princess Yachts projects, the control system manages the dive and surfacing evolutions safely and provides all propulsion controls. The design allows easy upgrading of guidance and automation systems.

Command system

The Human-Machine Interface for the vessel is provided through a dedicated command system developed by SCISYS. Drawing on their experience from supplying systems to the RNLI, the command system monitors all systems on-board, the specially-designed helm and dashboard provides a user interface displaying vital performance, diagnostic and crew status information at a glance.

Hull form

Designed and optimised by UK-based Naval Architects BAR Technologies, world leaders in fluid dynamics, optimisation and composite materials engineering, the hull is capable of achieving a surfaced planning speed in excess of 40 kts and a cruise speed of 30 kts. Full CFD simulations for both surfaced and sub surfaced running ensure a dynamically stable craft with a maximum submerged speed of 8 kts.

Materials

VICTA's hull is constructed from carbon fibre and Diab core to yield an efficient strength-weight ratio design. Built locally in AC Marine and Composites, Gosport, the hull can withstand the wide range of surface and sub surface loads that are dictated by the mission profiles.

Propulsion & Control: surface

Powered by a customised Seatek 725+ diesel engine which outputs 725 bhp, surface propulsion is provided to the world renowned Konsberg (Rolls-Royce) Kamewa Water Jet series. Control of the craft is through purpose built steering columns giving the pilot a common interface for both surfaced and sub surface running.

Propulsion & Control: submerged

A pair of marine propulsion 20 kW electric thrusters provide forward propulsion at speed up to 8 kts. The craft will be “flown” whilst submerged, with roll and pitch control through forward and aft hydroplanes. 4 Copenhagen thrusters are mounted vertically for accurate slow speed depth control.

Battery technology

Industry leading subCtech Li-ion SmartPowerBlocks^tmdesign with built-in battery management systems integrated in a rugged titanium housing, providing 140 kW of power dedicated to subsea operation.

Life Support System

An onboard open circuit air system will provide 8 operators with 4 hours of air based on a mean breathing rate of 18 lpm with a reserve of 20%. SubSea Craft is working with a global leader in rebreather systems to develop an extended range rebreathing system to be fitted to future VICTA Class variants.

Seating systems

VICTA delivers operators to their objective mission-ready. The patented Ullman Dynamics moulded seats and advanced shock-absorbing systems provide a comfortable ride – even at high surface speed – and are mounted on a rail attachment system, enabling rapid and simple re-configuration to suit the mission requirements.

Certification and Safety Case

Alongside DNV-GL certification, VICTA has Lloyd's Register certification and the hull is being built under Lloyd’s Register survey rules. Our safety case is developed in conjunction with BMT a leading international design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy with a reputation for engineering excellence.

Specifications

Principal particulars

Length overall	11.95 m
Beam overall	2.3 m
Draught	0.6 m
Full fuel and 2 crew	0.64 m
Height (excluding aerials)	2.0 m
Crew (pilot and navigator)	2
Swimmers	6

Surface particulars

Displacement – dry	6,919 kg
Full load displacement	9,315 kg
Fuel tank (fitted)	900 l (2 x 450 l)
Speed	30/40 kts
Full load condition (sea state dependent)
Endurance	250 nm (expandable)
Engine	Seatek 725 Plus diesel (533kW)
Gearbox	ZF 220 (with neutral position)
Waterjet	Rolls-Royce Kamewa FF37

Subsurface particulars

Dive depth	30 m
Cruise speed (opps)	6 kts
Sprint speed	8 kts
Range	25 nm
Battery power	140 kWh
Battery type	Li-ion
Main thrusters	2 x 20 kW
Trim thrusters	2 x 3.5 kW 2 x 2 kW
Transition dive time	120 seconds

Defence application: concept of operations

Easily transportable intra and inter theatre using in-service strategic and tactical lift assets (fits in a standard ISO shipping container), VICTA is designed to operate independent of strategic assets and particularly from vessels and ports of opportunity. Able to deliver a team of Special Forces operators up to 250 nm on the surface and, transitioning to the subsurface mode 12 nm from the target area, it can deliver the team close to their operating area using personal rebreathers for the final infiltration to ultimately deliver land effect.

Future development of the Diver Delivery Unit family will deliver full autonomous capability both on the surface and sub-surface. As such, this technology will deliver across the full spectrum of maritime capability from intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition to maritime interdiction operations, delivery of sensors to kinetic action. The Diver Delivery Unit family is equally relevant in the home land security and constabulary roles as more traditional defence roles.