Iranian supercavitating torpedo "Khut"
Rocket "Khut" at the exhibition in 2015. The head device-cavitator is covered with a protective cap.
Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and is threatening to prevent any attempt to transit it. To this end, they promise to use a variety of weapons, including special types. For example, several days ago, they reported the possibility of using submarine-launched missiles. This likely refers to the "Khut" missile, which is a class of underwater missiles or supercavitating torpedoes.
Promised measures
Iran is responding to US and Israeli aggression with more than just missile strikes. Several days ago, it closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, and vowed to crack down harshly on violations. Several vessels attempting to transit the strait have already been attacked with missiles. Furthermore, reports have emerged that the area has been mined.
On March 11, Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Ali Fadavi, revealed another means of combating violators. fleet may use a new missile. This device is launched from underwater and reaches speeds of approximately 100 m/s. The first launches could take place in the coming days.
General Fadavi did not specify the type of such weapons, its carriers, etc. However, the specifications provided suggest what kind of product was being discussed. Apparently, they were referring to the Hut-class underwater missile/supercavitating torpedo.
The question of carriers for such weapons is much simpler. In theory, any submarine equipped with a 533mm torpedo tube could use these weapons. The Iranian Navy has several ships with such a weapon. However, their condition and combat readiness after the events of recent days raise questions.
Soviet/Russian product "Shkval". The external resemblance is obvious.
However, it's possible that A. Fadavi was referring to a different weapon. For example, it could be some kind of underwater-launched anti-ship missile, currently unknown to the general public. This theory is also plausible, although it raises questions.
Several days have passed since the IRGC deputy commander's statements. During this time, Iran has repeatedly attacked foreign vessels attempting to transit the closed strait. The use of unmanned boats and missiles has been reported. However, no weapons similar to the previously mentioned underwater missile have yet been used. It is possible they will be used in the current operation later.
Underwater rocket
Of the two interpretations of the Iranian general's words, the one related to the Khut submarine missile is the most interesting. This version is noteworthy, at the very least, due to the class of such weapons and the stated performance characteristics. Discussion of the hypothetical use of such missiles/torpedoes and the implications is already underway on specialized websites and blogs.
According to available data, the future "Khut" ("Whale") torpedo was in development since at least the early 2000s. The Iranian torpedo was designed as an analogue of the Soviet/Russian VA-111 "Shkval" underwater missile. Moreover, significant external and design similarities have even led to speculation about the adoption of certain technologies or developments. However, due to general secrecy, all such information remains unknown.
Development of the Kit missile was completed in the mid-2000s. The first test launch took place in April 2006 during Iranian naval exercises. Subsequently, foreign media repeatedly reported on further combat training launches during various naval maneuvers. It should be noted that such information was infrequent, and each use of the Khut missile consistently attracted attention.
In October 2015, an exhibition of modern Iranian-made weapons and equipment was held in Tehran. At this event, the Khut torpedo was publicly demonstrated for the first time. The external similarity between the Iranian munition and the Russian Shkval was once again confirmed, but this was not disclosed.
Thus, the Khut supercavitating torpedo entered service with the Iranian Navy approximately 20 years ago. Since then, it has been used repeatedly in exercises, but no full-scale combat launches have yet been conducted. This situation could change at any moment—a similar weapon has been promised for use against shipping.
Technical appearance
The Khut is a missile designed for use by submarines against surface ships. This missile has several intriguing features and utilizes unusual operating principles. This allows for superior performance and should ensure high combat effectiveness.
The Iranian missile has a cylindrical body with a conical nose fairing. The outer surface is smooth and has a minimum of protruding parts. A disc-shaped cavitation device is mounted on the nose fairing. Retractable rudders are located near the tail.
The dimensions and weight of the Khut are unknown. A similar torpedo, the Shkval, has a caliber of 533 mm and a length of 8 meters. Its launch weight is 2,7 tons. Apparently, the Iranian torpedo has the same or similar parameters.
The torpedo/missile is equipped with a solid-fuel motor. Likely, like the VA-111, it uses a hydroreactive propellant charge: it ignites and burns due to a reaction with seawater. Previously, it was reported that the Kit could reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. Recent claims have suggested a speed of 100 m/s, which corresponds to 360 km/h. Interestingly, in this regard, the Iranian development is inferior to the Shkval, which is claimed to have a speed of 370-375 km/h.
The range and launch capability are unknown. The specific propulsion system should limit this parameter. For example, the VA-111, depending on the modification, has a range of no more than 10-12 km. In this regard, underwater missiles are inferior to traditional torpedoes.
To achieve high-speed movement through water, the torpedo uses the principle of cavitation. Its warhead contains a special disk-shaped device that creates disturbances in the oncoming liquid flow. A gas cavity forms behind it, enveloping the entire missile. While moving, the "Khut" barely comes into contact with the water, dramatically reducing drag and enabling high speeds.
Due to its unique configuration, such a torpedo cannot be equipped with a homing system. Only basic control systems ensuring movement along a predetermined course are possible.
The torpedo's dimensions allow it to accommodate a high-explosive charge weighing approximately 200 kg. Furthermore, the Soviet-designed Shkval could also carry a special warhead of significant power. This was intended to compensate for its limited accuracy.
Advantages and limitations
The Khut missile's key feature is its high speed. The underwater "flight" to its maximum range takes no more than 1-1,5 minutes. The enemy has minimal time to detect and respond to such a threat. Moreover, a large ship simply won't have time to evade a high-speed torpedo, significantly increasing the likelihood of a hit. The relatively heavy warhead is capable of inflicting significant damage on its target.
However, the Khut has several controversial features and obvious shortcomings. Some of these are due to the design, while others are related to the state and capabilities of the Navy. Whether these issues will allow the torpedo to realize its advantages in practice remains a big question.
First, the question of launch vehicles arises. Apparently, any submarine with 533mm torpedo tubes can carry the underwater missile. The Iranian Navy operates three Project 877 diesel-electric submarines of Soviet and Russian construction, as well as up to 20 Ghadir-class submarines of its own design. It is unknown how many of these Pennants remain in service and capable of performing combat missions after enemy strikes.
The Kit's high speed is offset by its limited launch range. The carrier submarine would have to approach within 8-10 km of its target. While this wouldn't be a problem when attacking a merchant vessel, attempting to attack warships carries serious consequences. An Iranian diesel-electric submarine could be detected while approaching the launch site, with obvious negative consequences.
The solid-fuel rocket motor creates a lot of noise, revealing the torpedo and its carrier submarine. A launched "Khut" threatens only one ship, while the other members of the formation can engage in anti-submarine warfare, and their task won't be too difficult.
Potential and its application
The Iranian Navy has a wide range of munitions for engaging surface and underwater targets. They even possess technologically sophisticated weapons, such as underwater missiles and autonomous vehicles. Some of these weapons are already being used in the current operation.
Combat use of Khut submarine-launched missiles may begin in the coming days. The results are still unknown. However, the initial launches will allow us to assess the overall potential of such weapons in a real conflict, as well as their ability to influence enemy shipping and naval strategy.
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