In the late 1960s the MoD decided to develop a swimmer delivery vehicle to supplant the earlier ‘Archimedes’ 2-man human torpedo. Basing their design on Rebikoff’s ‘Pegasus’ underwater scooter they developed a swimmer delivery vehicle, which was called ‘AML’ (named after the Admiralty Materials Laboratory where it was built).
It was intended to be named CDV-1 (Clearance Diver Vehicle) or SDV-1 (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) depending on whether it was to be used by the Royal Navy Clearance Divers or SBS respectively. However it was more frequently referred to simply as ‘AML’.
The pilot lay on the port side and controlled the hydroplanes at the front using a hand lever; steering was controlled by a cross bar at his feet. The navigator lay on the starboard side. The battery allowed for 4 hours endurance at a maximum speed of 4 knots.
This morning an AML arrived at the museum. It is one of three that were built by AML and designed by Dick Tuson. Our volunteers were out in force to receive it and get it settled nicely in position. A welcome addition to our family of outdoor exhibits.
