F21 (torpedo)

The F21 is a heavy-weight torpedo developed in France by DCNS for the French Navy. The objective of the F21 Torpedo program is to replace the F17 with a new generation, more agile, faster, smarter and more operational performance torpedo. The F21 torpedo is the only new heavy torpedo development in the world. Its characteristics are significantly superior to all other heavy torpedoes currently in service. The F21 heavy torpedo was designed to neutralize enemy ships and submarines. With an exceptional range and speed, the F21 torpedo is planned to evolve by sea bottom but also and especially in the very noisy and very dense coastal areas in maritime traffic [1] It will gradually equip all French submarines, starting in 2018. The contract includes the development and delivery of about one hundred F21 torpedoes and their integration into French submarines. It has also been selected for the Brazilian Navy.[1][2]

F21 torpedo
TypeHeavyweight torpedo
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service2018-present
Used byFrench Navy
Brazilian Navy (in the future)
Production history
ManufacturerNaval Group
Thales
Atlas Elektronik
Specifications
Mass1,550 kg (3,420 lb)
Length6.0 m (19.7 ft)
Diameter533 mm (21.0 in)
Effective firing range>50 km (31 mi; 27 nmi)
Detonation
mechanism
proximity fuze
EngineElectric
Maximum depthup to 600 m (2,000 ft)
Maximum speed 50 kn (58 mph; 93 km/h)
Guidance
system
Wire-guided, acoustic homing
Launch
platform
submarine

Characteristics
Weight 1.5 tonnes
Length 19.6 feet (6.0 m)
Diameter 21 inches (0.53 m)
Range 31 nautical miles (57 km)
Propulsion Electric, 2 propellors
Speed 50 knots (93 km/h)
Operational depth < 33 feet (10 m) and > 1,630 feet (500 m) [1]
Mid-course guidance Wire-guided
Tracking Acoustic homing

[2][3]

History

Concept

The F21 was to be a development version of the Italian Black Shark torpedo. In 2008 France signed a development contract for 93 heavy torpedoes for its nuclear submarines, to be delivered from 2015.[4] The original plan called for a derivative of the Black Shark to be built by a joint venture between DCNS, Thales and WASS,[5] but they fell out and DCNS will now be developing the F21 Artemis with Thales and Atlas Elektronik.[4] The F21 shares similarities with the Black Shark, including an electric motor driven by an aluminium silver-oxide (AgO-Al) battery.[6] It will have a warhead of PBX B2211, range of 50 km (31 mi) and speed of 50 knots (93 km/h).[7] As of 2012 the project has a €485m budget with a unit cost of €2.3m (FY12), or €5.2m including development costs.[4]

Qualification

The F21 was first tested on DCNS's Pégase catamaran in February 2013 and a submarine launch is planned for 2014, with production deliveries scheduled to start in late 2015.[8] Qualification testing began in 2016, and were completed in June 2017 off the coast of Var.[2]

See also

References
  1. , Source DCNS, , 2017-06-22
  2. New torpedo planned for French navy passes qualification firing, Richard Tomkins, UPI, 2017-04-23
  3. French submarines to get new torpedoes, Richard Tomkins, UPI, 2014-10-30
  4. "Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces" (in French). Senate of France. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
  5. "Black Shark torpedo derivative to arm French nuclear submarines". Frontier India News Network. 2008-04-12. Archived from the original on 2012-03-18. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
  6. "F21 Heavyweight Torpedo - DCNS". 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  7. Mackenzie, Christina (2 February 2011). "France Adds New Torpedo To Submarine Arsenal". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 2012-10-08.
  8. Barreira, Victor (13 November 2013). "F21 torpedo set for French submarine firing in 2014". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
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