Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad has submitted budgetary quotation for 25 numbers of torpedo to Integrated Headquarters (Navy). Production will start immediately after placement of order. This information was given by Defence Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr Kuldeep Bishnoi on april 06.
Light Weight Torpedo (Advanced Experimental Torpedo) is an anti-submarine weapon which can be fired from a flying/hovering helicopter very close to the previously known location of enemy submarine to have a definite kill probability. The torpedoes can also be fired in a quick salvo from surface ships using torpedo Triple Tube Launchers (TTL).
Several front-end technologies are developed for the first time in the country making it self reliant. Several other products using state of art materials such as composites, titanium alloys are incorporated to bring down the total weight of the torpedo without sacrificing the strength requirements. High power sea water activated batteries in compact size to fit into the 324 mm diameter shells, contra rotating DC propulsion motors are the contribution of this project. Sensor instrumentation packages, hybrid control and guidance motors are fabricated within the country which were denied under the Technology control regimes. Development of the light weight torpedo has resulted in several indigenous products which were hitherto imported. The fully integrated torpedo consists of 95% of indigenous components and sub-systems.
The torpedo is capable of operating at depths of few hundred meters and homes on to its prey by passive/active homing and explodes on impact to destroy/damage the target submarine. Torpedo, on entry into water, performs pre-programmed search patterns, detects the targets and homes on to the target. Many user evaluations were conducted. The torpedo met all of its required specifications and user acceptance criteria as stipulated by the user and production orders are placed on M/s. BDL, Hyderabad by the Indian Navy.
Source
- Ministry Of Defence, India http://mod.nic.in/samachar/april1-06/h5.htm
- NSTL DRDO http://www.drdo.org/labs/nstl/achieve.html
