Spearfish torpedo

Infobox Weapon
name= Spearfish


caption=
origin=
type=
is_ranged=
is_bladed=
is_explosive=yes
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=
is_missile=yes
is_UK=yes
service=1992–present
used_by=
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=BAE Systems Underwater Systems
unit_cost=
production_date=1988–2003
number=
variants=
spec_label=
weight= 1,850 kg (4,075 lb)
length= 7 m (23 ft)
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=533 mm (21 in)
crew=
cartridge=
caliber=
barrels=
action=
rate=
velocity=
range=
max_range= 54 km (30 nm) at low speed
23 km (12.5 nm) at high speed
feed=
sights=
filling= Aluminised PBX explosive
filling_weight=300 kg (660 lb)
detonation=Proximity or contact detonation
yield=
armour=
primary_armament=
secondary_armament=
engine=Sundstrand gas-turbine with Pump-jet
engine_power=
pw_ratio=
transmission=
payload_capacity=
suspension=
clearance=
wingspan=
propellant= HAP / Otto fuel II
fuel_capacity=
vehicle_range=
ceiling=
altitude=
boost=
speed= convert|80|kn|km/h (1994 version on short range setting)
guidance=Wire-guided with autonomous active terminal homing sonar
steering=
accuracy=
launch_platform=
transport=

The Spearfish torpedo (formally Naval Staff Target 7525) is the heavy acoustic homing torpedo used by the submarines of the Royal Navy. It is a dual-purpose wire-guided weapon and provides both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW) capability, replacing the Tigerfish torpedo which was withdrawn in 2004.

The significantly higher speed of the Spearfish was intended to catch high-speed, deep-diving Soviet threats such as the Alfa class submarine. The weapon is driven by a pump-jet coupled to a Hamilton Sundstrand 21TP04 gas turbine engine.

The torpedo's warhead is equipped with a shaped charge with directed energy and was designed to penetrate the double-hull construction of the Soviet submarines. A microprocessor aboard the weapon provides the ability to make autonomous tactical decisions during the attack.

The production contract for the Spearfish Torpedo was placed with Marconi Underwater Systems Ltd (now BAE Systems) in 1983, following a development programme lasting for several years. Spearfish entered full production in 1988, with deliveries completed in 2003. The exact number of units ordered has not been revealed. Spearfish torpedoes are stored and serviced at Beith Ordnance Storage facility in North Ayrshire.

ee also

*Mark 48 torpedo
*DM2A4 heavyweight torpedo

External links

* [http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2212 Spearfish Torpedo]