Published Resources Details Journal Article

Author
Scott, R.
Title
The heavyweight contenders
In
Jane’s Defence Weekly
Imprint
vol. 33, no. 3, 36544, pp. 28-33
Description

Accession No.1054

Abstract

"Current developments in the heavyweight (533 mm in diameter) torpedo market are very much driven by the demands of the submarine community. Closely integrated with the sensor, tactical, fire-control and weapon discharge systems of the host submarine, the modern heavyweight torpedo serves as an underwater guided weapon for use against both submarine and surface targets. The radically altered post-Cold War anti-submarine warfare environment is changing the focus for torpedo development. The one time emphasis on detecting and prosecuting fast, deep-diving nuclear-powered boats has diminished markedly. The threat today comes from quiet conventional submarines operating in the shallow - and acoustically poor-waters of the littoral This sea change is driving attendant improvements in torpedo technology, with increasingly quiet targets and sophisticated acoustic countermeasures and the shift in emphasis from deep to shallow water operations driving many upgrade efforts." AccessionNo.1053. Scott, R. 'Heavyweight contenders shape up for the littoral.' Jane's Navy International, vol.***, issue***, June 2005, pp. 12-19. "The heavyweight torpedo remains the single most important part of the submarine's armoury, serving as the primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) armament and as a potent anti-surface warfare (ASuW) weapon. Increasingly quiet targets and sophisticated acoustic countermeasure, coupled with a shift in emphasis from deep-to shallow-water operations is driving improvements in homing, guidance and control, propulsion efficiency and quietening. Richard Scott surveys the current competitors in this rapidly changing environment. The main competitors being the Atlas DM2A4, the Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei Black Shark, the US Navy Mk 48 ADCAP, the BAE Systems Underwater Systems Spearfish and Saab Underwater Systems Torpedo 2000."