Shadow

Offering unparalleled levels of mission flexibility, Shadow has established itself as the industry leading underwater life support system for operational capability and performance.

Latest developments include a systems approach to integrating life support and combat equipment. This includes a rapid clip-on / clip-off interface with ballistic protection vest, use of nitrox for diving below the safe depth of oxygen and a back mount option optimised for use with manned free flooding submersible vehicles.

Since its launch in 2002, the unique features and advanced design of Shadow has played an instrumental role in the development of Special Operations underwater mission capability.

Continual design evolution in response to customer specific requirements ensures Shadow continues to offer unparalleled levels of safety, performance and capability across a broad mission spectrum and remains the underwater life support system choice for Special Operations around the world.

Mission Specific Upgrade Options

Excursion

Shadow Excursion includes a nitrox kit which facilitates greater depth capability for a range of mission profiles that may include:

Submarine exit / entry
Very Shallow Water (VSW) Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
Amphibious beach reconnaissance
Direct action below safe depth of oxygen
Free flooding submersible operations

Features

Nitrox reconfiguration is readily undertaken by the user in the field in a matter of minutes without the use of tools.

Back Mount

The Back Mount kit enables the standard front mount Shadow to be back worn providing ready access to mission equipment and is suitable for a range of mission profiles that include:

Over the beach operations
Diver propulsion vehicles
Swimmer Delivery Vehicles

Features

The reconfiguration to back mount is readily undertaken by the user in the field in a matter of minutes without the use of tools. The back mount variant may be worn as a stand-alone rebreather or interfaced with a ballistic protection vest.

Infiltrate. Engage. Return to the Shadows.

Principle of Operation

When configured for oxygen use, via a first stage pressure reducer, oxygen is supplied from the pressure vessel (cylinder) to a demand valve that automatically adds oxygen to the re-circulation sub-system.

One-way check valves in the breathing hose mouthpiece assembly ensures exhaled breathing gas is re-circulated through a long endurance scrubber canister that removes exhaled CO2 prior to re-inhalation. A readily accessible submersible pressure gauge enables continual monitoring of oxygen pressure vessel.

When configured with the nitrox kit, Shadow may be used in either oxygen or nitrox mode. To access the nitrox gas
supply stored in a separate pressure vessel (cylinder), the diver rotates a multi-turn gas switch-over valve that enables a constant mass flow of nitrox gas (60% oxygen / 40% nitrogen) into the re-circulation sub-system at 6 litres per minute. Following a gas switch from oxygen to nitrox, the diver may descend to a recommended maximum depth of 24msw.

Oxygen or combined oxygen / nitrox configurations:

Maximum depth:
- 15msw (oxygen configuration)*
- 24msw (nitrox configuration)*
- 4 hour canister duration at a metabolic CO2 production rate of 1.6 l/min (40RMV) in 4°C water**
Optimised counter lung position to minimise hydrostatic imbalance
Reduced breathing gas flow restrictions to minimise resistive effort (low work of breathing)
Operationally proven worldwide from arctic to tropical climates
300 bar pressure vessel (cylinder)
Automatic demand valve that serves as a manual bypass valve

Harness Options:

Stand-alone rebreather for training / operations
Ballistic protection vest clip-on / off interface
User configurable to suit mission profiles
MOLLE webbing system to facilitate the interface of ancillary equipment
Reinforced double layer counter lung
Low magnetic and acoustic signatures
Low weight to performance ratio

^{* In accordance with local oxygen partial pressure depth / time exposure regulations.}
^{** Canister duration in excess of 2hrs at lower breathing rates and / or in warm water.}

Further Information

Overview

Specification

Learn more about the Shadow Life Support System

Designed to meet the full mission profile of today's Special Operations diver.

15msw with Oxygen	15 meters seawater, supports operations with oxygen.
24msw with nitrox	Operates at 24 meters seawater with nitrox (23msw to 25msw range).
Low work of breathing	Optimized for ease of breathing.
Multi-mission profiles	Supports diverse mission needs.
Clip On/Clip Off Options	Flexible attachment for various configurations.