Teledyne to build more shallow water combat submersibles for USSOCOM

The US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded Teledyne a contract modification for further deliveries of MK11 Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) systems.

The SWCS system is a manned combat submersible vehicle specifically designed to insert and extract special operations forces (SOF) in high threat areas.

Under the $178 million contract, Teledyne is to deliver an unspecified number of SWCSs.

Under the initial contract with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from 2011, the company designed, manufactured, tested and delivered the initial engineering development model (EDM) SWCS system.

Under the new NAVSEA contract, TBE will continue production and delivery of MK11 SWCS Systems, including spare parts production and the provision of engineering and technical support services, through fiscal year 2024, if all options are exercised.

“Teledyne is proud to be supplying advanced technologies and systems enabling our special operations forces to perform their missions successfully,” said Teledyne president and chief executive officer Al Pichelli.

The MK 11 SWCS is replacing current MK 8 SDVs used by US Navy SOF and the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service. Low-rate initial production of the systems started in late 2016.

Compared to their predecessors, SWCSs are 12 inches longer (30 cm) and 6 inches taller (15 cm). They also incorporate bow thrusters, higher accuracy navigation and improved software.