Re: FW: Underwater weaponry

[MathesonT@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 12/16/00 1:43:39 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
rfountain@j2.com writes:

> It would seem for spec ops that the use of special underwater weapons would
>  be of great use and importance and therefore be given much attention and
>  funding for research and development.  

The downfall of most of the underwater dart guns was two fold.  First was the 
very high cost of use.  The ammo cassettes of the P11 ZUB could only be 
reloaded by H&K and rumors says cost near $20 per round.  Second, is the 
unlikeness of underwater confrontations.  Visibility, especially at night 
when most specops are in the water, is often little more then arms length.  
Under those conditions it is easy to avoid an enemy or if necessary to 
eliminate, use a knife or any of several lethal anti-shark devices.

>  On the other hand most images of
>  armed SEAL, Force Recon and the like are emerging out of the water and onto
>  the beach with dripping wet M-16s, M-4s, and MP-5s.

Once you hit the surf line, any underwater defenses are replaced by normal 
weapons since the likely threat will be from the surface.  Underwater weapons 
were primarily intended for missions where the operators would not be 
breaking the surface, mining and planting listening devices being the most 
likely.

>  How reliable are these
>  weapons after a infiltration swim in salt water? 

Completely reliable.  Most weapons will drain in seconds and at the first 
stop after leaving water you will see the oil bottles come out.

>  Are there techniques or
>  procedures to protect these weapons during the swim and what does it take 
to
>  ready these weapons for use?  

Weapon maintenance is the rule.  A good cleaning and lubricating before going 
into the water and again as soon as the job is done will negate most of the 
problems associated with salt water immersion.  Special finishes make the job 
even easier, though it is common to see specops weapons that have seen so 
much use that the finish is all but worn away.

>  Shouldn't they be contained in a water proof
>  container and then readied once out of the water or can you SCUBA in and
>  emerge out of the water firing your MP-5SD?

Waterproof containers are used mainly for long swims and SDV rides.  Weapons 
will be broken out at the surf line while still submerged so you are ready 
for trouble when you surface.  Most swims to shore are usually going to be 
from CRRCs or RIBs less then a klick offshore so waterproof bags are not 
necessary.

Rob