Adam Schwarze is a Navy SEAL officer who commands in-water missions and has developed innovative SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) equipment solutions. Formerly a U.S. Marine, Adam Schwarze has extensive knowledge of what it takes to navigate and maintain SDVs, which are often described as “mini-submarines.”
With a length of only 20 feet, SDVs have bulbous noses and five-bladed propellers at the back. More than 60 percent of the vehicle’s volume is reserved for batteries and electronic equipment. This leaves room for half a dozen Navy SEALs, along with their equipment. With an effective 32-mile underwater range, the lightweight SDV sacrifices shielding against the elements in its covert missions, and SEALs wear special underwater breathing systems and wet suits while in the submersible. The digitally controlled MK 16 diving rigs are bubble-less and allow for as much as eight hours spent underwater.
As described by an SDV mission commander, the role of a navigator is performed side-by-side with the pilot in the front part of the sub. While keeping noise to a minimum around sensitive targets, communication is by hand signals, including physical nudges and taps on masks that indicate which direction to take, when to dive deep, and orders to conduct tactical inspections. A small Obstacle Avoidance Sonar screen helps the SDV navigate treacherous waters that often have mines and other strategic barriers in place.
With a length of only 20 feet, SDVs have bulbous noses and five-bladed propellers at the back. More than 60 percent of the vehicle’s volume is reserved for batteries and electronic equipment. This leaves room for half a dozen Navy SEALs, along with their equipment. With an effective 32-mile underwater range, the lightweight SDV sacrifices shielding against the elements in its covert missions, and SEALs wear special underwater breathing systems and wet suits while in the submersible. The digitally controlled MK 16 diving rigs are bubble-less and allow for as much as eight hours spent underwater.
As described by an SDV mission commander, the role of a navigator is performed side-by-side with the pilot in the front part of the sub. While keeping noise to a minimum around sensitive targets, communication is by hand signals, including physical nudges and taps on masks that indicate which direction to take, when to dive deep, and orders to conduct tactical inspections. A small Obstacle Avoidance Sonar screen helps the SDV navigate treacherous waters that often have mines and other strategic barriers in place.
