Russia & India Report. New Russian torpedo: “Flurry 2.0”?
On June 8, the international edition Russia & India Report published the article The new Russian torpedo: 'Skhval' 2.0? (“New Russian torpedo:“ Shkval 2.0 ”?") By Alexander Korolkov. The author of the publication tried to understand the current situation with the development of new Russian weapons for the navy. At the same time, the emphasis is on torpedo weapon for submarines.
At the beginning of his article, the author notes that the Russian program for the modernization of the armed forces “reached” the sea. Projects are underway to modernize anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters aviation. The new equipment is received by IL-38 and Tu-142 aircraft, as well as Ka-27 helicopters. The next step in this direction should be the creation of a new anti-submarine weapon. Thus, as a result of several new projects, the Russian armed forces will receive reliable tools for searching and destroying enemy submarines. The question arises: what will be the new Russian torpedo?
The author of the Russia & India Report reminds that not so long ago the general designer of the Dagdizel plant (Kaspiysk, Dagestan) Shamil Aliyev announced the start of a project to develop a promising torpedo. In addition, he revealed some details of the project. The new torpedo will receive modern electronics with high noise immunity, elements of artificial intelligence and will be built on the basis of digital systems. Other features of the project have not yet been announced due to its secrecy.
Nevertheless, Sh. Aliyev spoke about the tactical role of the new product. Prospective torpedo can not only destroy targets, but also perform other tasks. It will be used for conducting reconnaissance and observation of the specified area, and will also be able to use hydroacoustic countermeasures.
In the article The new Russian torpedo: 'Skhval' 2.0? previous statements by the head of the Dagdizel plant are mentioned. So, two years ago, Sh. Aliyev already spoke about the existing situation in the field of torpedo weapons. The general designer of the plant was forced to admit that Russia is seriously lagging behind the United States and France in the development of new torpedoes and other similar systems.
The result of this lag is the fact that domestic torpedoes are larger and heavier than their foreign counterparts, and also have a greater level of noise produced. Sh.Aliev considers the situation with the existing element base to be the reason for the lag. Because of this, the characteristics of high-tech processing units leave much to be desired.
To overcome the existing gap, according to Sh. Aliyev, a number of serious studies should be conducted in the field of element base. A. Korolkov notes that in his latest statements, the Dagdiesel General Designer does not mention the need for research. This suggests that the necessary research work has already been given, so that the company can now concentrate on the design work.
According to some reports, work is underway in two main directions. The first implies the modernization of the VA-111 Shkval product. The second project is the development of a completely new small-sized torpedo. Russia & India Report recalls the statements of Sh. Aliyev, in which he compared such a development with “clippers”. Many small vehicles must covertly approach the target, make contact with it, and then destroy it.
Unfortunately, accurate data on the project of small-sized torpedoes with elements of artificial intelligence are not yet available. For this reason, we can only consider and evaluate the prospects for the modernization of the Squall submarine missile.
The article “New Russian torpedo:“ Flurry 2.0 ”?” States that the proposed upgrade of the BA-111 product may imply a major change in various aspects of the project. The design, the shape of the rocket, and even the intended tactics of use can be changed. All these changes will be aimed at improving the performance and, probably, correcting the shortcomings of the existing missile.
Developed at the Dagdizel plant, the Squall BA-111 rocket is a unique weapon. On the way to the target, it develops speed up to 375 km / h, which is why the target (ship or submarine) does not have time to react and dodge or destroy the rocket. Due to some technical solutions, the rocket moves inside the gas bubble cavity, which allows it to develop a uniquely high speed.
However, the Squall rocket had a number of characteristic flaws. The first - a short range of fire. Despite all the tricks, this rocket is able to pass under water no more than 10-13 km. In addition, because of the high speed, rocket engine and cavern, the rocket produces a lot of noise. Noise, combined with a short range, makes it easy to detect an attacking submarine with a subsequent counterattack.
Russia & India Report reminds that two years ago Sh. Aliyev mentioned the modernized version of the Shkval product as a priority project of the enterprise. In addition, the general designer of Dagdizel personally took part in some of the work on this project, in particular, in determining the hydrodynamic properties of the updated rocket. It is known that the purpose of such works was to determine the boundary of the media: water and gas of the cavity. In the course of research, specialists had to determine the maximum possible dimensions and weight of the torpedo. However, the results of these works were not mentioned.
Also earlier, Sh. Aliyev spoke about some features of modern foreign torpedo weapons and possible borrowing for domestic projects. So, the last torpedoes of the American design are equipped with a special set of sensors, made in the form of a special “skirt” on the body. It is possible that a similar technical solution will be used in new domestic projects.
In new projects for upgrading existing weapons, new equipment can be used to enhance its performance. The rocket "Flurry" during the upgrade can get a new control system. On the base product, an inertial guidance system is used, designed to keep it on a given route. The new modification of the missile can get a different guidance system, which will greatly enhance its characteristics.
At the end of the article The new Russian torpedo: 'Skhval' 2.0? the words of S. Aliyev about the effectiveness of various anti-submarine weapons. The general designer of Dagdizel recalled that the torpedo falls not just into the hull of an enemy ship or submarine. It should fall into vital parts, such as the command post, etc. In addition, we should not forget that the destruction of the submarine is only possible with the help of a torpedo. Rockets with this task can not cope.
Unfortunately, accurate data on new Russian developments in the field of torpedo weapons are not yet available. In early June, a meeting was held with the participation of Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov and heads of several defense enterprises involved in the development of new weapons. During this event, Sh. Aliyev spoke about the development of a certain new high-precision underwater weapons. He did not disclose any details of this project due to secrecy.
In addition, S. Aliyev announced a curious news, not directly related to the projects of promising torpedoes and missiles. Next year it is planned to hold the first scientific conference on the ideology and problems of the development of torpedo weapons. It is planned that the conference will be held in St. Petersburg.
The details of new projects are still unknown, which is why it is necessary to use only available data, including fairly old interviews with industry leaders. That is why the publication of the Russia & India Report does not actually contain any precise information about the new development. Nevertheless, new domestic projects and press reactions are of some interest.
Article The new Russian torpedo: 'Skhval' 2.0?
http://in.rbth.com/economics/2015/06/08/the_new_russian_torpedo_skhval_20_43567.html
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