ASDS Mini-Sub Program Sinks, As Replacements Rise

Jul 11, 2011 16:05 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff

ASDS Surfacing
ASDS
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Northrop Grumman’s ASDS “Advanced SEAL Delivery System” aimed to build mini-subs as successors to the current SDV (SEAL/Swimmer Delivery Vehicle). It began with great promise. The SDVs, carried on US modified Benjamin Franklin Class [SSBN-640] special warfare submarines, as well as new Ohio Class SSGNs, were old – and cold. ASDS would offer a modern, dry alternative, with advanced sensors besides.

In the end, however, technical and reliability issues proved insuperable. The program spiraled out of control, with cost overruns of 400+%. In its place, a less ambitious SWCS replacement program is beginning to take shape, even as the private sector begins to step in with options of its own. This DID FOCUS article chronicles the ASDS program’s history, its designated successors, and emerging privately-funded alternatives.

Displaying 132 of 4,218 words (about 11 pages)

What’s Next? The SWCS/JMMS

To Davy Jones’ Locker & Back: Contracts and Key Events

Appendix A: DID Op/Ed, December 2005

Appendix B: The ASDS Program & Mission

Appendix C: ASDS Takes on Water

Appendix D: Additional Readings and Sources

Platforms

Official Report

Related News

Unconventional Mini-Subs

SDV with SEALs
Older SDV
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SWCS
Early concept
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NAVY_ASDS_Surface.jpg
ASDS
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ASDS cutaway
ASDS Cutaway
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ASDS on SSN-772
ASDS on USS Greenville
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ASDS on SSN-772
ASDS: zoom-in
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Subscribe to DID's Defense Industry Insider

Get instant access all DII coverage of the mini-sub when you subscribe to DII. Our cross-linked article network and reference materials include:

  • Events chronology including its technical, reliability, and 400% cost overruns, temporary cancellation, and final destruction
  • The 2007 GAO report on the ASDS program: "...the U.S. Special Operations Command has continued to invest millions of dollars to fix existing problems and address new ones in an attempt to make the boat operational."
  • The ASDS' replacement SWCS/JMMS program
  • Quick Links to the library of ongoing DII coverage including: "USA Spending $7.1M to Upgrade SEAL Delivery Vehicles, "SSGN ëTactical Trident' Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike Military Transformation," "It's a Boat, It's a Sub, It'sÖ..," "ASDS Mini-Sub Program Goes to Davey Jones' Locker," and "$9.5M Engineering Services Contract Includes ASDS Work"
  • Links to related articles and resources including the concept of mini-sub use in the drug trade
  • Photos

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