Tp 45 (43X2)
Type
Multipurpose lightweight torpedo.
Description
This series of torpedo has been developed to meet the challenge of ASW in shallow waters. The Tp 45
(Tp 43X2 for export purposes) is the fourth generation of Swedish ASW torpedoes. Like the previous
43X0, from which it is developed, the Tp 45 is wire-guided, using a hydro-acoustic homing system for
the terminal guidance phase. The weapon can be launched from submarines, surface ships and
helicopters (the last flying at up to 70 kt), and can be wire-guided from a flying or hovering helicopter,
being deployed without the use of a parachute. Although designed primarily for ASW, the Tp 45 also
has an anti-surface vessel capability.
The weapon is fitted with an onboard computer system which monitors the comprehensive volume of
data which it both gathers itself and which is fed to it via the wire communication link and which makes
highly accurate inertial navigation possible. The wire link enables more than 80 different types of
message to be transmitted in both directions. This information controls the weapon's parameters and
targeting, supervises homing procedures and so on. In the event of breakage in the wire communication,
the computer takes full control of the weapon using the latest data received as well as computed search
patterns incorporating safe/attack zones and so on.
The guidance wire is of the single copper core plastic coated type which uses the surrounding water
as a return conductor. For helicopter deployment a second wire is required for the return connection as
the helicopter is not in contact with the water. The wire link allows more than 80 different message
types to be transmitted in both directions.
The seeker is of new design (almost identical to that fitted in Torpedo 2000) and specifically
developed for use in shallow water using advanced signal processing carried out by the computer
housed in the electronics module of the weapon. Three selectable homing modes are possible: active,
passive or simultaneous active/passive. The weapon can track several targets simultaneously, classifying
target signals and rejecting all false signals from the environment and from acoustic countermeasures.
Data generated includes among others: target presence in one or more of the preformed beams; the sign
and value of the target's position in both azimuth and depth; plus the data necessary for countermeasures
action.
The main computer software is written in Pascal/Ada high-level language, which simplifies software
maintenance.
The torpedo is fitted with a multifrequency hydro-acoustic proximity fuze operating on several
frequencies, and which can also detect the presence of targets overhead. An impact fuze is also
incorporated. The transducers are positioned in a recess in the front end of the hydrodynamically shaped
nose, which is designed for low self-noise at high speed. Advanced analysis of the received echoes
enables waves, wakes and countermeasures from the hull of a ship to be discriminated.
Propulsion is by a secondary silver-zinc oxide 4.2 kWh battery feeding a DC electric motor with
gearbox. The torpedo uses three selectable speeds (managed through a thyristor battery switching unit
and believed to be 15, 25 or 35 kt) in order to optimise hit probability and minimise time from launch to
strike.
The torpedo is launched from a helicopter without the use of retarding parachutes. The weapon enters
the water at an angle of 15 to 35º. On entering the water the propulsion system is activated and the
weapon steered towards the target from data processed on the launch platform and fed to the torpedo via
the wire datalink. In the vicinity of the target the torpedo is commanded to activate its housing system
for the final attack phase.
The body of the weapon is made from aluminium alloy castings and comprises interchangeable
modules.
Operational status
The weapon has completed its final development phase for the Swedish Navy and a production contract
worth in the region of SKr80 million was awarded to Swedish Ordnance (subsequently renamed Bofors
AB now Saab Bofors Dynamics) in the autumn of 1991 for series deliveries to commence in 1993. In
May 1992 the Swedish FMV placed a contract worth approximately SKr100 million for a second batch
of Tp 45 weapons. The torpedo is deployed from Swedish Navy Boeing Vertol 107 helicopters and the
`Göteborg' class corvettes. In the spring of 1994 Pakistan placed an order for the 43X2 for use on the
Type 21 frigates acquired from the UK.
A test firing in the autumn of 1995 using a warshot weapon against a target similar to a submarine
proved the ability of the weapon to both strike and destroy a target.
Specifications
Length: 2,800 mm
Diameter: 400 mm
Launch weight: 310 kg
Warhead: 45 kg shaped charge
Speed: 15, 25 or 35 kt
Range: (approx) 10.75 n miles at 15 kt
Contractor
Saab Bofors Dynamics AB
Motala.
On the Swedish Visby Class Corvette
Shown is the hatch for the torpedoes which preserves the radar signature, once fired the hatch closes and only the small portion marked with white remains open for the guide wire. ASW 400mm torpedoes, designated Torped 45 are used, shown in these two photos are the launchers note that they launch backwards.
http://taskforce72.org/2017/11/18/the-swedish-visby-class-corvette/
Sweden is sticking with these 400 mm wire guided torpedo's and I suspect the main reason is cost savings, no need to acquire new 324mm torpedo tubes for its ships/submarines at all. The existing tubes will do.
Type
Multipurpose lightweight torpedo.
Description
This series of torpedo has been developed to meet the challenge of ASW in shallow waters. The Tp 45
(Tp 43X2 for export purposes) is the fourth generation of Swedish ASW torpedoes. Like the previous
43X0, from which it is developed, the Tp 45 is wire-guided, using a hydro-acoustic homing system for
the terminal guidance phase. The weapon can be launched from submarines, surface ships and
helicopters (the last flying at up to 70 kt), and can be wire-guided from a flying or hovering helicopter,
being deployed without the use of a parachute. Although designed primarily for ASW, the Tp 45 also
has an anti-surface vessel capability.
The weapon is fitted with an onboard computer system which monitors the comprehensive volume of
data which it both gathers itself and which is fed to it via the wire communication link and which makes
highly accurate inertial navigation possible. The wire link enables more than 80 different types of
message to be transmitted in both directions. This information controls the weapon's parameters and
targeting, supervises homing procedures and so on. In the event of breakage in the wire communication,
the computer takes full control of the weapon using the latest data received as well as computed search
patterns incorporating safe/attack zones and so on.
The guidance wire is of the single copper core plastic coated type which uses the surrounding water
as a return conductor. For helicopter deployment a second wire is required for the return connection as
the helicopter is not in contact with the water. The wire link allows more than 80 different message
types to be transmitted in both directions.
The seeker is of new design (almost identical to that fitted in Torpedo 2000) and specifically
developed for use in shallow water using advanced signal processing carried out by the computer
housed in the electronics module of the weapon. Three selectable homing modes are possible: active,
passive or simultaneous active/passive. The weapon can track several targets simultaneously, classifying
target signals and rejecting all false signals from the environment and from acoustic countermeasures.
Data generated includes among others: target presence in one or more of the preformed beams; the sign
and value of the target's position in both azimuth and depth; plus the data necessary for countermeasures
action.
The main computer software is written in Pascal/Ada high-level language, which simplifies software
maintenance.
The torpedo is fitted with a multifrequency hydro-acoustic proximity fuze operating on several
frequencies, and which can also detect the presence of targets overhead. An impact fuze is also
incorporated. The transducers are positioned in a recess in the front end of the hydrodynamically shaped
nose, which is designed for low self-noise at high speed. Advanced analysis of the received echoes
enables waves, wakes and countermeasures from the hull of a ship to be discriminated.
Propulsion is by a secondary silver-zinc oxide 4.2 kWh battery feeding a DC electric motor with
gearbox. The torpedo uses three selectable speeds (managed through a thyristor battery switching unit
and believed to be 15, 25 or 35 kt) in order to optimise hit probability and minimise time from launch to
strike.
The torpedo is launched from a helicopter without the use of retarding parachutes. The weapon enters
the water at an angle of 15 to 35º. On entering the water the propulsion system is activated and the
weapon steered towards the target from data processed on the launch platform and fed to the torpedo via
the wire datalink. In the vicinity of the target the torpedo is commanded to activate its housing system
for the final attack phase.
The body of the weapon is made from aluminium alloy castings and comprises interchangeable
modules.
Operational status
The weapon has completed its final development phase for the Swedish Navy and a production contract
worth in the region of SKr80 million was awarded to Swedish Ordnance (subsequently renamed Bofors
AB now Saab Bofors Dynamics) in the autumn of 1991 for series deliveries to commence in 1993. In
May 1992 the Swedish FMV placed a contract worth approximately SKr100 million for a second batch
of Tp 45 weapons. The torpedo is deployed from Swedish Navy Boeing Vertol 107 helicopters and the
`Göteborg' class corvettes. In the spring of 1994 Pakistan placed an order for the 43X2 for use on the
Type 21 frigates acquired from the UK.
A test firing in the autumn of 1995 using a warshot weapon against a target similar to a submarine
proved the ability of the weapon to both strike and destroy a target.
Specifications
Length: 2,800 mm
Diameter: 400 mm
Launch weight: 310 kg
Warhead: 45 kg shaped charge
Speed: 15, 25 or 35 kt
Range: (approx) 10.75 n miles at 15 kt
Contractor
Saab Bofors Dynamics AB
Motala.
On the Swedish Visby Class Corvette
Shown is the hatch for the torpedoes which preserves the radar signature, once fired the hatch closes and only the small portion marked with white remains open for the guide wire. ASW 400mm torpedoes, designated Torped 45 are used, shown in these two photos are the launchers note that they launch backwards.
http://taskforce72.org/2017/11/18/the-swedish-visby-class-corvette/
Sweden is sticking with these 400 mm wire guided torpedo's and I suspect the main reason is cost savings, no need to acquire new 324mm torpedo tubes for its ships/submarines at all. The existing tubes will do.
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