​VICTA continues to take shape in the UK

UK-based advanced maritime technology business SubSea Craft has revealed new images of construction progress on its VICTA diver delivery system as it enters the final build phase.    

CEO Scott Verney said: ‘We are on track for trials and testing this coming winter, with the aim of having the craft operational late 2021.’ 

The craft is made of carbon fibre with a Diab core: a lightweight construction many times stronger than fibreglass, according to SubSea Craft.

As a result, the company stated on 5 October, ‘VICTA will be faster and more manoeuvrable than comparable craft’. 

VICTA can deploy and recover up to eight operatives (two crew and six divers). Powered by a submarinised SeaTek 725hp diesel engine, it can achieve surface speeds of up to 40kt over a range of 250nm. The engine is being tested at a SubSea Craft facility.

For underwater operations, the diver delivery system uses two SubCtech lithium-ion battery packs. These batteries generate sufficient energy to power the submersible for up to four hours (or a distance of 25nm) with two crew and six operators. 

After the diesel engine is installed on VICTA, SubSea Craft will integrate C2 systems and an obstacle avoidance radar that generates a 3D picture of the sea floor out to 600m and down to 100m.

In a final stage before sea trials and testing, acrylic windows, hatches, hinges and the life-support system will be installed.

SubSea Craft has £12 million ($15.5 million) of private investment but it is now seeking second-stage investment.

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