INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: STIDD Systems
Walter Gezari
Chief Executive Officer
STIDD Systems
Q: How did STIDD get into the business of selling both shock mitigating seats and submersible boats?
A: We began 16 years ago manufacturing ergonomic marine seats for commercial vessels. A few years later, the U.S. Coast Guard approached us for a shock mitigating version of our marine seat for their 47MLB.
We made the 500V5 shock mitigating pedestal seat specifically for them, and designed and manufactured advanced shock mitigating seats, the 800V53 for USSOCOM’s fleet of MkV special operations craft. As it turned out, our USSOCOM customer also had a yet unfulfilled requirement for a small, manned swimmer transport device [STD] in support of ASDS.
So, using the same infrastructure, manufacturing methods and personnel from our Greenport, N.Y., seat production facility, along with hiring the former naval architect for Naval Special Warfare, we developed and built a STD for SOCOM that eventually evolved into the diver propulsion device [DPD], now under contract to the Marine Corps, the U.S. Army and Allied SOF.
More recently, as the U.S. Navy’s exclusive license holder for the surface planing wet submersible, we transformed this larger, manned submersible boat into a viable advanced technology demonstrator for USSOCOM. With production engineering and manufacturing assistance from Kvichak Marine Industries of Seattle, Wash., we are now in production with its successor, the multi-role combatant craft [MRCC], for both DoD and commercial users.
Q: You mentioned the MkV seats, how important a program was that for STIDD?
A: Very important because it proved a couple of STIDD principles often completely ignored in the quest for a perfect solution to a customer requirement or capability gap: first, listen to the operators; and second perfection is the enemy of good enough.
For example, the 800V53 program began as a 70 percent solution to a problem that had plagued operators for years— repetitive orthopedic stress injuries resulting from violent slam loads associated with high speed transits.
While starting out as a Congressional plus-up, this program was quickly embraced by USSOCOM and has significantly improved the ride and performance of the MkV while drastically reducing operator injury rates. So, what began as an attempt at a 70 percent band-aid, quick-fix ended up as a 99 percent highfive, slam-dunk in both efficacy and value.
Q: Given the current focus on ground operations for SOF, what is the demand for submersible boats?
A: SOF requirements for both the DPD and MRCC continue to grow. The DPD with its MUSCLES lithium-ion battery represents the most viable surface and underwater mobility platform on the market today. Its ability to move two operators with up to 100 lbs. of cargo at speeds approaching three knots for up to five hours represents a real transformation for maritime operations. Operators really grasp the DPD’s utility when they see it in action and understand that there is now a credible military grade electric propulsion alternative to a 10,000 meter open water swim!
The MRCC will also have a big impact on SOF mobility because it delivers the rare combination of maritime stealth at reasonable cost. The MRCC is a reversible submersible, or hybrid craft capable of operation in surface, semi-submerged, submerged, and cache modes. This multi-mode capability significantly reduces an operator’s amount of wet time exposure. It has capacity for eight operators to include the two-man crew, which do not require SDV/ SWCC qualification.
Q: What sort of products is STIDD developing for future SOF applications?
A: Later in FY 2007 we will introduce an electronic navigation system for the DPD and MRCC called RNAV.
RNAV is based on a platform of COTS marine electronics, coupled to a proprietary GPS antenna with articulating locking mast hard-mounted to the DPD, that is deployed and stowed by the diver while underway, enabling the attainment of positive GPS lock while running submerged. We also integrated a DVL, fluxgate compass, and OAS into RNAV.
All of these functions are contained in a proprietary STIDD pressure container enhanced with a backlit color screen and a user-friendly gloved hand push button interface, enhancing accurate underwater navigation, mission planning and situational awareness in one economical COTS package, which may be conveniently purchased on the GSA schedule.
Finally, we’ll be introducing an acoustic beacon/receiver capability, which will allow a group of DPDs to drive in formation while submerged or find each other at night in limited visibility. The addition of RNAV and acoustic locator capability to the DPD will improve safety and reduce the command and control challenges of having multiple DPDs in the water simultaneously, making the DPD an even more capable, user-friendly, and costeffective diver delivery vehicle. ♦