FMV press release – Translated by Naval News
Sweden’s new torpedo system for anti-submarine warfare has been delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces. Torpedo 47 will be an important part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ ability to identify and neutralize foreign submarines.
“Developing a new torpedo for submarine hunting that meets all the requirements to give the Swedish Armed Forces more capabilities in submarine hunting has been a challenge. Thanks to close cooperation within the project and with external parties, we have managed to find good solutions. I am pleased that we can complete the project on schedule, within budget and with better capacity than required.”
Magnus Lind, Project Manager at FMV
The Torpedo 47 is the fifth generation light torpedo developed in Sweden and replaces the Torpedo 45 currently in service. The new torpedo builds on the torpedo systems that have been developed in Sweden since the 1960s, and it has been possible to benefit from the knowledge and experience available in both the development and deployment of these systems.
Optimized for the Swedish waters
The new torpedo system is intended primarily for use on Swedish submarines and Visby-class corvettes but is also prepared for use on helicopters. Primarily for anti-submarine warfare, but also suitable for anti-surface ships.
During the development of the new torpedo, particular consideration was given to the operational areas of the Swedish armed forces and the special underwater conditions in the Baltic and North Seas. The homing device, which locates and identifies submarines, is optimized for shallow, brackish waters and difficult topography.
The Torpedo 47 has continuous communication with the launch platform, enabling continuous targeting and enhancing safety. Endurance has also been increased. The torpedo can move at either low or high speed to find the right balance of power and endurance for the mission at hand.
Close collaboration
Work on developing a new lightweight torpedo began in the summer of 2013 with an initial development phase. In 2016, the project moved to a more intensive development phase, and in recent years, production has begun. All of this was done in close cooperation with the supplier Saab Dynamics, but also involved the Total Defense Research Institute, FOI and the Swedish Armed Forces.
“The key to success in the development of Torpedo System 47 was the close cooperation between all parties involved. It was a project at the forefront of technology with a very clear framework. From day one, we put the team before me.”
Magnus Lind, Project Manager at FMV
Modular system
The torpedo is built in several modules, which offers a number of advantages. Among other things, it facilitates the maintenance of the system and makes it easier to introduce new technologies and add new functions. It also makes it possible to share technologies and solutions with other torpedo systems or submarines in the Swedish Armed Forces. FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces have already been able to use this in other projects.
Specifications
- Dimension – 400mm x 2850mm
- Weight – about 340 kg
- Speed - min 35 knots
- Range – min 20 km
- Batteries – LiFePO4, >100 recharges
- Propulsion – DC motor/Pump-jet
- Target seeker – Active and passive, fully digital
- Communication – Copper wire under bulkhead
