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Ortega Submersibles Showcased their 3 Person Underwater Vehicle for Special Forces at UDT 2015.

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UDT 2015 Online Show Daily - Ortega Submersibles

Ortega Submersibles Showcased their 3 Person Underwater Vehicle for Special Forces at UDT 2015

At the UDT 2015 Undersea Defence Technology exhibition and conference, Dutch company Ortega Submersibles showcased its Ortega Mk. 1C three-person electric submersible boat for special forces. It was inspired by the "Sleeping Beauty", a motorised submersible canoe built by British Special Operations Executive during World War II as an underwater vehicle for a single frogman to perform clandestine reconnaissance or attacks against enemy vessels.

Ortega Submersibles Stand at UDT 2015

The Ortega Mk. 1C is intended for fast long range travel either on or under water, with the ability to go up river streams. It is being designed for the Dutch special forces, and comes fully equipped with a trim tank, onboard rebreathers, an on-board HUD supplying important navigational data and also a double redundant analog navigational and control system. Its honeycomb structure is filled with air for buoyancy. Pending the skill and equipment of the operator dive depths of up to 40 meters are supported. The Mk. 1C also features a high framerate 3D Sonar system that is capable of resolving objects, environments and threats in great detail. This system makes navigating in zero visibility possible. There is also two infrared cameras on the nose with a direct feed to the cockpit as well as six LED lights. A FLIR camera for surface use is also present. The Ortega can be parked underwater and left for multiple weeks if necessary. A fully autonomous secondary control system is in development. Rubber mounted ultra silent motors, special noise absorbing materials and coating ensure a low Sonar profile. The Mk. 1C is expected to be fitted with three Watt & Sea electric engines.

Ortega Submersibles Mk. 1C is developed to be an undetectable submersible capable of delivering Special Forces and their equipment safely and comfortably to their operation from an over-the-horizon drop off point. The Mk. 1C is compatible with Low Altitude Parachute Extraction Systems, underwater submarine launches or just under slung from a helicopter.

Ortega who already built a one seater prototype is working closely with the Royal Netherlands Navy Special Forces. They were the ones who requested a three seat variant. They are also studying ways to make the Mk. 1C air droppable from C-130 aircraft. According to Daan Pol, Ortega's Chief Creative Officer "the Mk. 1C is perfect for infiltration missions. Its main goal is to transport special operations personnel and their cargo in a stealthy way over long distances".

Ortega Submersibles One Seat Prototype during Trials. Picture: Ortega Submersibles

Ortega is about to start building the three seat (Mk. 1C) prototype and in early 2016 Ortega is hopeful that the test with the Royal Netherlands Navy will be successful in order to start the industrial process.

More UDT 2015 news in the Official Online Show Daily