Lamprey (torpedo)
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| AT-01 Lamprey | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Anti-torpedo torpedo |
| Place of origin |  Chilokver |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2020–present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Hydronamica Inc. |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 235 kg |
| Length | 2.6 m (8.5 ft) |
| Diameter | 324 mm (12.8 in) |
| Maximum firing range | 1.9 km (1.0 nmi) |
| Warhead | PBX warhead |
| Warhead weight | 44 kg |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
| Propellant | Solid fuel propellant |
Operational range | 1.9 km (1.03 nmi) |
| Speed | 50 knots (92.6 km/h) |
Guidance system | Active/passive acoustic homing |
Launch platform | Surface ship |
The AT-01 Lamprey is a dedicated 324 mm anti-torpedo torpedo used by the Grand Chilokveri Navy (GCN). First tested in late 2017 and entering service in 2020, the Lamprey was designed to be backwards compatible with existing 324mm lightweight launchers already equipped aboard Chilokveri surface combatants, paralleling the development of standalone hard-kill torpedo defence systems for the GCN's other vessels such as the UDW-2 ATPS. Future development is expected to see the Lamprey integrated aboard submarine platforms as a three-round tube insert as well.
Development
Background
The capabilities, and therefore threat posed by torpedoes rapidly expanded in the early 2000s as a result of improvements in their propulsion, sensors and guidance systems. New electrically propelled torpedoes were stealthier than their combustion fuelled predecessors, and the digitally processed sonars which now equipped them were increasingly resistant to decoys and jammers. Furthermore, wake-homing torpedoes, fully impervious to legacy soft-kill countermeasures, saw increasing proliferation among foreign navies.
In 2004, a Ministry of Defence internal report concluded that "...it can be seen that advances in heavyweight torpedo technology, coupled with a foreseen increase in littoral operations where anti-submarine warfare is traditionally challenged will lead to the reduction of future Chilokveri underwater defensive capability." As a result, the Grand Chilokveri Navy (GCN) allocated funding for the development of hard-kill defences for its warships beginning in FY2005.
In December of 2017, a prototype of the system was installed on a multipurpose vessel for at-sea testing, where it successfully intercepted a practice heavyweight torpedo.
The GCN began fielding the Lamprey as an underwater active protection system onboard Chilokveri destroyers and frigates beginning in 2020.
Design
The Lamprey's specifications are similar to those of existing lightweight torpedoes so as to permit the use of legacy launchers. The torpedo measures 324 mm in diameter, 2.6 m in length and weighs 235 kg, 44 kg of which is PBX explosive filling. As a dedicated anti-torpedo torpedo, it is optimised solely for the hard-kill and active elimination of incoming torpedo threats with no multi-mission ASW capabilities. Compared to existing rocket launcher-based hard-kill systems, the Lamprey is reported to have an increased torpedo defence effectiveness of "3 to 3.5 times".
Warhead
The Lamprey is equipped with a 44 kg PBX warhead, roughly equivalent in explosive power to 70 kg of TNT. The composition is insensitive and compliant with Chilokveri military standards. The warhead is triggered by proximity fusing to ensure target kills even in the case of a near-miss.
Guidance
The Lamprey's digitized homing sonar is capable of operating in passive, active and intercept mode simultaneously, ensuring optimal homing performance regardless of the threat torpedo properties. The active sonar frequency was chosen for optimal detection capability against wake-homing torpedoes and minimal interference with shipboard sensors. The Lamprey's advanced solid state microprocessor guidance system incorporates special modes against wake homing torpedos and salvo attacks.
While the Lamprey has a maximum range of 1.9 km, due to the restrictions of its onboard sensors it is limited to a maximum effective range of 800 m.
Propulsion
After launch, the Lamprey is propelled to a speed of 50 knots (50 km/h) by its solid propellant rocket. The use of a rocket rather than a traditional propeller/propulsor arrangement achieves high speed, rapid acceleration & excellent shallow water capabilities at a lower cost and with minimal self-noise in the torpedo's sonar frequency. Steering is accomplished using a conventional 4 fin rudder system mounted towards the rear of the torpedo. The Lamprey's maneuverability is reported to be significantly superior to other existing torpedo designs.
Thanks to its solid fuel propellant, so long as the Lamprey is stored in a controlled environment its maintenance can be minimised to depot level examinations and maintenance.