Type 14A Helix Lightweight Torpedo
| Type 14A Helix Lightweight Torpedo | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Lightweight torpedo |
| Place of origin | Belfras |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2006-present |
| Used by | Belfrasian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2001 |
| Produced | 2004 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 275 kilograms (606 lb) |
| Length | 2.65 metres (8.7 ft) |
| Diameter | 324 millimetres (12.8 in) |
| Maximum firing range | +10 kilometres (5.4 nmi) |
| Warhead weight | 43.5 kilograms (96 lb) |
| Engine | Receiprocating external combustion engine |
| Speed | +40 knots (46 mph) |
Guidance system | Active/passive acoustic homing |
Launch platform | Surface vessel torpedo tubes, ASW aircraft, Peltast Missile, Aydin CAPTOR Mine |
The Type 14A Helix Lightweight Torpedo is an acoustic-homing 324mm light-weight torpedo in service with the Belfrasian Navy.
Design
The request for the Type 14A came from numerous operational complaints about the two previously utilised light-weight torpedoes by the Navy. The two torpedoes were used in different scenarios; One was designed to counter high-speed submarines in open waters and the other was for smaller combat environments. The solution was combining the advanced homing systems and propulsion units for the Type 14A.
Guidance systems and intelligent targeting/tracking software for the weapon were updated across the range when the SST-28B Huntsman Torpedo came into service. The new upgrade adds propeller drive records taken up to 2010 and new DEMON prediction software.
Platform usages for the weapon are numerous. The most standard platform the weapon is utilised with are surface vessel torpedo tubes and requires no modification of the system. The missile has been placed into an ASROC missile, the Peltast Missile for vertical launch capability from surface warships. It is also in heavy usage with ASW aircraft with altitude kits. The weapon is also placed into the Aydin CAPTOR Mine. The Low-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Helix Kit (LAAS-H) was designed to mate the weapon to a drag parachute and wave-penetrating kit to protect the weapon for mounting aboard helicopters. The High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Helix Kit (HAAS-H) was in designed for drop from fixed-wing aircraft at altitudes of 20,000 ft. Upon deployment from the aircraft the weapon glides to 300 feet before jettisoning the torpedo to seek out the target upon entering the water. The kit for high-altitude drops are modified JDAM kits with micro-computers and antennas for communication with the launching plane to guidance updates prior to entering the water.