The ultimate book of Special Forces subs Covert Shores 2nd Edition is the ONLY world history of naval Special Forces, their missions and their specialist vehicles. In the middle is an early example of the SDV Mk.9, and in the foreground is an early SDV Mk.8 which carried 6 men. In the background is a late-model SDV Mk.7 which carried four men. The main three SDVs used by the US Navy SEALs from 1970s-90s. The SDV Mk 8 was larger, faster and more robust than those in service in other countries (unreported Italian types accepted). The US Navy's SDVs (originally Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, becoming SEAL delivery vehicles' in the 1980s after the forming of USSOCOM) have set the standard since the 1970s. Original Artwork, CLICK for HIGH RESOLUTION: The type is only now being replaced by a new system, the SDV Mk.11 (aka Mk.XI). It can transport 6-8 combat swimmers and their gear from a submerged submarine to within swimming distance of the insertion beach. It offers a discrete method for inserting and extracting special forces in harsh maritime environments. The 'Gator Class' SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV Mk.8 Mod 0, also written Mk.VIII Mod 0) has been the backbone of USSOCOM's SDV capabilities since the end of the Cold War.
