Advanced Seal Delivery System (ASDS)
The Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) is the first dry combat submersible designed to deliver US Navy SEALs and their combat gear clandestinely to hostile shores. Carried on the back of a nuclear submarine to the mission area, ASDS offers greater speed, endurance, depth, and stealth than current battery powered swimmer delivery vehicles.
This sophisticated vehicle is equipped with multiple sonars, an inertial navigation system, a GPS satellite navigation receiver, and a robust communications suite. It is fitted with two hydraulically elevated masts, one that contains an optical periscope and ESM system and one with communications antennas. ASDS is piloted by a submarine qualified officer and co-piloted by a SEAL officer.
The first submarines capable of carrying the ASDS are the USS Charlotte (SSN-766) and the USS Greeneville (SSN-772). Future host submarine capability includes the SSGN and Virginia class submarines. ASDS can be carried in a C-5A or C-17 aircraft atop its specially designed tractor-trailer transport to a forward location to meet up with a host submarine.
General Characteristics
Length: 65 feet
Displacement: 60 tons
Capacity: More than 5, plus gear
Speed: More than 5 knots
Depth: 200+ feet
Range: 100+ nautical miles
ASDS was delivered to the Navy in 2003.