The SMX-26 "Cayman", a Submarine Designed for Littoral Operations

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. "