DCNS SMX-26 “Caïman” littoral submarine

The SMX-26 "Cayman", a submarine designed for littoral operations
October 12, 2012 - 11:35

As in 2010 with the SMX-25 , DCNS will present at the next Euronaval (22-26 October) a new concept of underwater entitled SMX-26 "Cayman".

Thus, engineers have devised a shipbuilder for submersible to conduct surveillance missions and actions of long distance discretion, all in shallow waters, making it an ideal tool for the preparation of amphibious operations or littoral combat.

For this, the SMX-26 "Cayman" has a flattened shape - it is 7.9 m high - to allow it to evolve to 12 meters deep. Moreover, the navigation system works with sensors capable of giving a 3D rendering of the environment. In addition, it is equipped with 4 electric thrusters both azimuth adjustable and retractable, giving it excellent maneuverability.

A special feature of SMX-26 is its ability to remain motionless in a given sector and transform in a way, a collection of information or a base for special operations. Through a system of retractable wheels, it is able to "drop" on any background.

In addition, this submarine is also designed to operate as close to the surface. For this, it is especially armed with a 20mm gun on a mast, a capacity for self-defense against air threats, 2 heavy torpedoes and eight other minor dependents as well as increased surface to air missiles .

As for its dimensions, measuring subersible 39.5 meters long and 15.5 meters wide. Its maximum speed is 10 knots diving and patrol time is one month.

According to DCNS, the "operational capacity" of the SMX-26 "are those of a SSK (note, conventional submarine) modern transit mixed deployment ocean with a large radius of action and anti-surface and anti-submarine navy. "

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Avimimus said:

...At those depths visual identification becomes a problem in clear waters though...

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DCNS presents for the first time at Euronaval 2012 its new small size submarine optimized for shallow waters operations.

SMX-26 is a small submarine designed to operate in very shallow water - up to 15 m depth in coastal areas where no submarine operates conventionally.

In such situation, air and data communication is provided through flexible pipes deployed towards the surface.

SMX-26 may deploy the following: 6 Special Forces divers, 20 mm cannon mast, self-defense anti-aircraft missile (in container), two heavy torpedoes and eight light torpedo with heavy warheads.

It has extreme maneuverability and a vertical dynamic stability near the bottom or under surface waves thanks to its two shaft lines and its four adjustable and retractable azimuth thrusters.

The SMX-26 has the unique ability to "land" very quickly on all types of seabeds with its extendable wheels. It can then stay lurking in the bottom for up to 30 days.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM2x5QraDRU

Marie Nicod, SMX-26 Naval Architect, gave us details on DCNS' new submarine concept ship
during Euronaval 2012

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjclOxN_hWI