Major UK order: TDW to participate in upgrade to heavyweight Spearfish torpedo

05/10/2015
Blast warheads can be used to combat both surface and underwater targets effectively. Ships in particular can be combated most effectively using a blast warhead, which generates a shock wave.
©BAE SYSTEMS

On 29 July, TDW GmbH was awarded a contract from BAE Systems for the qualification and delivery of the insensitive munition (IM) blast warhead due to be used in the upgrade of the Royal Navy’s heavyweight Spearfish torpedo. This marks the largest order in the company’s history.

Blast warheads can be used to combat both surface and underwater targets effectively. Ships in particular can be combated most effectively using a blast warhead, which generates a shock wave.

Through the initial assessment and development phases, TDW have played a leading role in the design and testing of the new Spearfish warhead. To date the testing performed on the warhead has included IM threat tests (to demonstrate insensitivity) and underwater trials (to demonstrate performance).  TDW’s experience gained through the Sting Ray warhead programme has helped to ensure that the development of the Spearfish Upgrade warhead could be carried out so effectively.

The conclusion of Demonstration Phase 1 for the Spearfish Upgrade IM Warhead on time, cost and quality along with the proven collaboration between BAE Systems Maritime Services and TDW laid the foundation for this success. This order shows that we have mastered the complete range of warhead systems up to and including the heavyweight torpedo,” declared TDW Managing Director Ulrich Störchle. “This insensitive blast warhead will improve the safety and effectiveness of this torpedo significantly.

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