ISDEF2013: Speed Up Your Navy Diver with OPCON Marine's BLACKACE
BLACK ACE is a diver propulsion transporter (DPT) from OPCON Marine PTE Ltd. from Singapore. The producer quotes that the BLACK ACE is the new generation of underwater transporter with a high trust-to-weight ratio that should increase the diver speed and performance. The system is made of lightweight composite materials that should also reduce the detection signature. It can speed up a diver up to 5 knots with a system weight of 15 kg. The system can be packed and transported in a normal back pack. The controller for the system is designed to be mounted on the rifle’s rail, so the diver is always ready to fight. All system components can be changed under water, also the batteries. At cruising speed the batteries are good for an operation of up to 60 min., a recharge takes max. 90 min. It can be used up to a depth of 100 m.
Right now it is in trials with the Special Forces of Singapore and the Indian Navy.
Black ACE comes in two versions, a leg mount/rebreather configuration (depth 40 m/15 kg/60 min.) and a scuba tank mounted configuration (100 m).
Andre Forkert
MILITARY TECHNOLOGY: ISDEF2013: Speed Up Your Navy Diver with OPCON Marine's BLACKACE