Development of Anti-Torpedo Torpedo in Europe

The concepts of the lightweight supercavitating anti-torpedo torpedo(ATT) Barracuda developed by Germany and the heavyweight ATT researched by France,as well as their technical characteristics and some test results,are described.The background and significance are discussed.Barracuda is entirely enveloped by the cavitation bubble except for the nose cone.The nose cone is an integration of cavitator,rudder,and homing head.A series of tests show that it runs at a speed of 240 knots and maneuvers,its sonar can acquire a heavyweight torpedo(HWT) at a range of more than 200 m.Simulation results show that Barracuda can effectively intercept approaching torpedo at short distance for surface ship.DCN is developing a concept of heavyweight ATT in order to increase lethality.Three different operational scenarios are designed: lightweight torpedo(LWT) launched by aircraft or helicopter with a target range varying from 0.5 to 3 km,LWT launched by surface ship with a target range 3~6 km,wire-guided HWT launched by submarine with a target range 4~10 km.Simulations are conducted under above scenarios.The simulation results of intercept probability versus alert range,crossing collision volume delay spreading,smallest crossing range spreading,intercept area to submarine range spreading are analyzed.