In the Navy:The Role of Advanced Sea Mines in Future Conflicts
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Grooman).The Hammerhead is actually a throwback to a Cold War-era weapon – the CAPTOR (EnCAPsulated TORpedo) mine. It is a deep water, anti-submarine mine that can detect, classify, localize, and engage enemy submarines with a Mk-54 lightweight torpedo. Unlike the Quickstrike or CDM, the Hammerhead is being purpose-built for clandestine deployment by a single platform - the Orca XLUUV. Given the technological complexity of unmanned mine laying operations, as well as Orca’s production delays and cost overruns, it is likely that the
FMV's Order for Saab for Underwater Weapon System
Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding design plans for a new lightweight torpedo (NLT). The order refers to the period 2014-2015 and amounts to the value of MSEK 43. The order is part of the letter of intent regarding the Swedish armed forces' underwater capability, which was announced on 9 June 2014. Saab has received an order from FMV regarding design plans for a new lightweight torpedo. This is the first step in developing a new lightweight torpedo. Final delivery of this order will be during 2015. "We are
RAN Reports Successful Torpedo Firing
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has successfully conducted the world’s first firing of a “war shot” MU90 Lightweight Torpedo, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO CSC RAN announced today. ANZAC Class Frigate HMAS Stuart fired the explosive warhead against a specially designed target in the East Australian Exercise Area. The successful firing was the final milestone before the torpedo is accepted for operational service across the fleet. “The MU90 Lightweight Torpedo has already completed an extensive test program using exercise (non explosive) variants. This
U.S. Navy Treading Water on Shipbuilding
of the next generation of weapons, sensors, and unmanned vehicle payloads for our current ships and aircraft.” The Navy will continue to dominate the undersea environment with a combination of Virginia-class submarines, Virginia-class Payload Modules, improved torpedoes such as the Mk-54 lightweight torpedo and P-8A High-Altitude ASW Weapon Capability, and Large Displacement UUV, Greenert says. “We also strengthen our defense against submarine threats with additional periscope detection systems and new torpedo countermeasures.” The Navy will fully exploit cyberspace and the
February 2024
