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Information About

Spearfish Torpedo




The Spearfish torpedo is the heavy Acoustic Homing Torpedo used by the Submarine s of the Royal Navy . It 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Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-surface Ship Warfare (ASuW) capability, replacing the Tigerfish Torpedo which was withdrawn in 2004.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 contract for the Spearfish Torpedo was placed with GEC-Marconi Naval Systems (now BAE Systems ) in 1994. Spearfish entered full production in 1995, with deliveries completed in 2003. The exact number of units ordered has not been revealed. Spearfish torpedos are stored and serviced at Beith Ordnance Storage facility in Scotland.


GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Manufacturer: BAE Systems Underwater Systems

  • Speed: 81 knots (150 km/h) at high speed setting

  • Range: 54 km (30 nautical miles) at low speed, 23 km (12.5 nautical miles) at high speed

  • Length: 7 m (23 ft)

  • Diameter: 533 mm (21 in)

  • Weight: 1850 kg (4075 lb)

  • Warhead: 300 kg (660 lb) aluminised PBX explosive

  • Engine: Sundstrand gas-turbine connected to a pump-jet

  • Fuel: Otto Fuel II

  • Guidance system: Wire guided with autonomous active terminal homing Sonar

  • Fuzing (proximity or contact detonation)

  • First deployed: 1992