The Torped 47 or SLWT (Saab’s Lightweight Torpedo) is a new lightweight torpedo intended for ASW and surface targets, providing multiple-target active/passive homing combined with wire guidance. It is designed and manufactured by Saab Dynamics as a replacement for the Torped 45.[2]

Torped 47
TypeLightweight ASW torpedo
Place of originSweden
Service history
In service2022
Used bySwedish Navy
Finnish Navy
Production history
Designed2015
ManufacturerSaab Dynamics
Specifications
Massapprox. 340 kg[1]
Length2,850 mm (112 in)
Diameter400 mm (16 in)

WarheadIM compliant, omnidirectional, PBX
Warhead weightapprox. 50 kg AS(u)W

EngineElectric DC motor with gearbox
DrivePumpjet
Propellantlithium-based rechargeable battery
Operational
range
≥20 km (>1h), prepared for ≥50 km
Maximum depth+300 m
Maximum speed +40 kts
Guidance
system
Active and passive (fully digital), prepared for HF. Hydro-acoustic homing combined with galvanic wire/optic fibre guidance and on-board computer
Launch
platform
Stationary, surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and airplanes

The torpedo is designed for the Swedish Navy and it will be equipped with both a passive and an active homing device and use wire communication like the Torpedo 45, using a galvanic wire (later also an optical wire).[2]

Torpedo 47 can be launched from a variety of platforms including stationary, surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and airplanes like Saab Swordfish MPA.[3][4] It is specifically designed to operate against littoral submarine targets and surface vessels. It is controlled using wire guidance and has a hydro-acoustic homing system for the final phase. The torpedo has features that are unique for lightweight torpedoes.[2]

SLWT will be delivered to the Finnish Navy as part of the Squadron 2020 program[5] and will be installed on the Hamina-class during MLU and the new Pohjanmaa-class corvette.[6][7]

In October 2022 Saab delivered the first Torped 47 to the Swedish FMV. This is the final step before it will be introduced in the Swedish Navy.[2][8]

Future operators

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "SAAB Lightweight Torpedo; Littoral supremacy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "Saab Starts Deliveries of New Lightweight Torpedo to Sweden". Global Defense Insight. 17 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Saab Lightweight Torpedo".
  4. ^ "Saab Swordfish MPA Delivers True Multi-RoleMaritime Air Power". Archived from the original on 25 March 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  5. ^ "Squadron 2020, The Finnish Defence Forces' strategic project" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 July 2019.
  6. ^ "A torpedo for tomorrow's needs". Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  7. ^ "Saab Signs Contract for Deliveries of New Lightweight Torpedo to the Finnish Navy". Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Saab levererar ny lätt torped till FMV". 17 October 2022.