Recently, the Navy fired torpedoes from a corvette and a submarine. The purpose of the firing was to validate the new lightweight torpedo, Torpedo 47, against relevant targets while simultaneously firing sharply from a submarine.
The northerly wind has died down, and the sea has begun to settle as the corvettes leave the harbor in the cold dawn. Today’s task: To fire the new light torpedo system, Torpedo 47, together with the submarine waiting below the surface. In the corvette’s combat control center, the ship’s anti-submarine officer has just fired a Torpedo 47.
– Torpedo in the water, normal launch, wire running well, says the submarine chaser officer into his headset on the ship’s internal communication system.
Hit the target
On their large screens, she and her colleagues can follow the torpedo’s path towards the target. As it approaches, the torpedo’s own sensors contact the target.
– Torpedo, contact with a target, says the submarine chaser officer.
The seconds pass. The ship rocks slowly in the meter-high waves.
The target, a large barge, is lifted a few meters by the explosion.
– Estimated hit on target, says the submarine chaser officer, who lost contact with the torpedo at the same moment it detonated upon hitting the target.
Tailored for the Baltic Sea region
The tests are being conducted in close collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Defence Research Institute, and the manufacturer Saab. Commander Robert Schöllin is head of the Navy’s materiel office and responsible for new equipment. He follows the shot from the signal bridge on one of the corvettes.
– We are validating the new lightweight torpedo system, from preparations on board the ship to detonation on the target and can state that I am satisfied and that the new system has full functionality, says Schöllin.
Torpedo 47 is used by the Navy’s corvettes and submarines for anti-submarine warfare and surface combat. The new torpedo is tailored for the special underwater environment of the Baltic Sea region.
– Compared to the previous Torpedo 45, Torpedo 47 has better performance in all areas. New propulsion provides longer range and higher speed. The torpedo has a new seeker and better effectiveness, says Schöllin.
Torpedo from submarine
At the same time as the torpedo 47 shots, the navy also conducted firing from a submarine.
“Due to the uncertain global situation, it is important that we regularly ensure the functioning of our most qualified weapons. It is also extremely relevant to evaluate new equipment throughout the chain with our platforms and our personnel,” says Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Navy.
– This demonstrates our ability to be effective in the Baltic Sea region, which is a prerequisite for being able to maintain maritime control, individually and together with our allies, concludes Johan Norlén.