Torpedo WASS Black Shark (Italy)
New heavy torpedo Black Shark ("Black Shark") was created as a modern armament for submarines of various classes. In developing this product, the most advanced components and technologies were used, with the help of which it was planned to ensure the continued operation of the new torpedo. It was argued that the new torpedo would be able to maintain acceptable performance over the next 30 years. It was noted that the Black Shark can be used on modern submarines of various types, equipped with torpedo tubes of caliber 533 mm.
The project Black Shark was developed by order of the Italian Navy. Nevertheless, the Italian fleet, which took an active part in the development of a new weapon, is not yet using it. The order of the Italian Navy relates to an upgraded version of the torpedo currently under development. The first batch of updated weapons will be delivered to the customer only at the end of the current decade.
One of the main objectives of the project was to ensure maximum flexibility in the use of promising torpedoes. According to the developer, the Black Shark product can be used to attack surface and underwater targets in a wide range of depths, including in the coastal zone. The dimensions of the torpedo are determined taking into account the capabilities of modern torpedo tubes, which allows its use on various types of submarines. Also, to increase the number of potential carriers, the torpedo uses a standard interface for communication with the onboard equipment of the carrier.
Torpedo Black Shark received a modern homing system, as well as remote control equipment. Independent detection of various targets or command guidance on the target chosen by the operator is provided. Due to the hull shape and shape of the propeller was able to significantly reduce the noise level. It is argued that the detection of Black Shark torpedoes by existing means is an extremely difficult task.
The WASS Black Shark product has a total length of 6,3 m. The case diameter is 533 mm. Externally, the torpedo is no different from other modern weapons of this class. All units are located inside the cylindrical housing. In the forward part of the hull there is a fairing with a characteristic flat head, in the tail part there is a conical fairing with a stabilizer and a propeller. Ready-to-use torpedo weight - 1200 kg.
As a source of energy in the torpedo "Black Shark" are used batteries based on aluminum and silver oxide. They supply electricity to both the undercarriage engine and the guidance equipment. The capabilities of the used batteries allow the electric motor to accelerate the torpedo to 50 nodes and provide a range of up to 50 km. An important feature of electrical systems is their high resource. Used batteries allow you to store ammunition for 12 years. The propulsion motor drives the propeller of a special shape that reduces the noise produced.
To hit a target, the Black Shark torpedo is equipped with a high-explosive warhead. The weight of the explosive charge is classified.
Target search and targeting should be carried out with the help of control equipment capable of operating automatically and at the operator’s commands. ASTRA Acoustic Guidance (Advanced Sonar Transmitting and Receiving Architecture) can work in both active and passive modes. In the passive mode, the automatics of the torpedo monitors the surrounding space and searches for targets for the noise they produce. Declared the possibility of accurate determination of target noise and resistance to interference.
In active mode, the guidance system emits an acoustic signal, the reflection of which determines the distance to various objects, including the target. As in the case of the passive channel, measures have been taken to filter out interference, echo, etc.
To enhance the combat performance and the likelihood of hitting complex targets, the Black Shark torpedo has a command and control system. If necessary, the operator of the complex can take control and adjust the torpedo's trajectory. Thanks to this, a torpedo can be not only aimed at a target with greater accuracy, but also re-targeted after launching at another enemy object.
Of great interest is not only the purpose, but also the design of the remote control system. After launch, the torpedo connects to the carrier using a fiber optic cable. The latter is stored and unwound from a reel placed in a torpedo tube before firing. In this way, it was possible to provide the ability to control the torpedo, as well as to keep its dimensions at an acceptable level, without including in the design a large and heavy coil with a cable.
In 2003, WASS received the first orders for the supply of new weapons. The first customers of the Black Shark torpedoes were the Navy of Chile and Malaysia. Chileans ordered 100 torpedoes of a new type, Malaysians ordered 30 products. Soon the Italian company signed contracts for the supply of new weapons to Portugal, Singapore and Ecuador.
In 2008, WASS began working with the French company DCNS, aimed at creating a new ammunition for the naval forces. With the 2015, deliveries should begin, during which the French Navy plans to get the 93 new torpedoes, designated F21. Initially it was assumed that the Italian and French companies would take the Black Shark product as a basis and make some amendments to its design. However, in the future the composition of the developers of the F21 project has undergone major changes. DCNS remained the lead contractor, but now it cooperates with Atlas Elektronik and Thales. The F21 project has now reached the test stage of experienced torpedoes. Start of mass production of torpedoes is scheduled for the end of 2015 year.
By order of the Italian naval forces, a modernized version of the Black Shark is being developed under the name BSA (Black Shark Advanced - “Advanced Black Shark”) or NSP (Nuovo Siluro Pesante - “New Heavy Torpedo”). The aim of the project is to further improve performance. naval weapons with the help of new units and technologies. In particular, the BSA / NSP torpedo should be equipped with lithium-polymer batteries, providing higher driving characteristics. It is also planned to update and improve the guidance system.
28 January 2014, the WASS company specialists together with the military conducted the first test launch of a BSA / NSP torpedo. The submarine S527 Scirè type Todaro (German project “Type 212”) was used as a platform for testing. During the first launch, the torpedo successfully exited the torpedo tube and launched its engine. 19 June was the second test run, during which the power plant was again tested. In addition, this time the experts were studying the work of the guidance system.
Work on the BSA / NSP project will go on over the next few years. The existing contract involves the delivery of a batch of new torpedoes to 2020 year. By this date, the Italian Navy intends to receive 80 BSA / NSP products. In the future, you may receive a new contract for the supply of an additional batch of torpedoes. In addition, it should wait for the appearance of orders from some foreign countries. The compatibility of Black Shark torpedoes with various types of submarines allows the Italian company to hope for new contracts.
On the materials of the sites:
http://wass.it/
http://finmeccanica.com/
http://naval-technology.com/
http://navyrecognition.com/
http://en.dcnsgroup.com/
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