At the SeaFuture 2023 exhibition, Drass proudly unveiled its latest innovation, the DG550 midget submarine. A remarkable evolution in the compact submarine landscape, the DG550 presents a fusion of innovative design, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Model of the DG550 midget submarine. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
The Italian-made Drass DG550 compact submarine continues to uphold the tradition of worldwide successful Compact Submarines. Its success attributes to the innovative design, simple hull construction, reliable on-board equipment, and ease of operation and maintenance. This design allows end-users to be self-sufficient in operating and maintaining a craft dedicated to operations in Brown and Blue Waters.
The operational concept of Drass DG550 makes the craft incredibly similar to an SSK conventional submarine, despite its compact size. Its flexible design enables users to configure the craft for a variety of missions, covering the entire range dedicated to a conventional submarine. The submarine is designed for operational efficiency, dedicating around 80% of its lifespan to active use, and only 20% to maintenance.
Drass DG550 is a significant evolution from smaller Drass Midget Submarines such as the DG160 Midget, capable of overcoming shallow water limits and significantly increasing endurance and dive range.
It comes equipped with a broad array of weapons and equipment, including four bow Heavy-Weight Torpedoes for patrol and attack missions. The submarine also accommodates Commandos & Special Forces transportation & deployment with lock out capacity for up to 12 team members and additional payload for a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) or two inflatable boats.
Additional optional configurations include additional bow Heavy Weight and Light Weight Torpedoes, the capacity to transport and deploy eight Naval Mines (Drass Neutral Mine System), and more.
The submarine’s hull comprises a main pressure hull divided into four parts, six separate battery containers (pods), and a Hydrodynamic Light hull made from GRP (upper part) and carbon steel (lower part).
Despite its size, the Drass DG550 provides similar attack potential to a conventional diesel-electric submarine. It is designed for numerous operational tasks, including attacks on strategic targets in open sea, anti-ship and anti-submarine attacks, coastal area patrol, intelligence gathering, SDV and inflatable boat deployment for Commandos & Special Forces, and shallow water naval mine deployment.
