Spearfish Datasheet

Our torpedo solutions offer
unparalleled performance, assuring

critical operational advantage and
mission capability through-life.
In service with the Royal Navy, the Spearfish heavyweight torpedo sets new standards in
underwater weapon performance.
Spearfish Its advanced design delivers high-speed, maximum warhead lethality. Operationally,
Spearfish offers extended endurance with outstanding manoeuvrability, low radiated
noise, discriminative homing and advanced tactical intelligence.
Advanced heavyweight torpedo The result is an underwater weapon that provides decisive advantage against the full
range of submarine and surface threats in all operational environments.
Spearfish heavyweight torpedo has a common architecture baseline for a family of
baesystems.com/underwater underwater weapons. It is modular and software-intensive to facilitate future upgrades
against new and emerging threats.
© 2020 BAE SYSTEMS. All rights reserved (see back page for restrictions on use).
BAE Systems is a world leader in the design, development, on the optimal transmission and receive modes and attack Most maintenance tasks can be accomplished at user
production and support of underwater guided weapon tactics. A control sensors unit, incorporating an inertial depot level, including unit/section level replacement. Triple
systems. Leveraging this proven pedigree, Spearfish delivers navigation system, provides speed, course and depth containment of liquid fuels ensures safety of handling and
dynamic homing performance unmatched by any other measurements to the tactical computer. A large warhead storage.
heavyweight torpedo. ensures high lethality against both double-hull submarine
BAE Systems offers comprehensive in-service support from
targets and large displacement surface ships.
An advanced transducer array and associated electronics use delivery to operational deployment. This full ‘workshop-to-
a combination of active and passive homing techniques to Supporting the customer waterfront’ service includes commissioning, post-design
acquire, identify and prosecute the target. Powerful beam- services, configuration management, spares, repairs and
Spearfish is supportable, maintainable and reliable, and meets
forming techniques are employed to optimise performance in-water performance analysis.
the most demanding safety and environmental criteria. The
in all environments.
weapon has demonstrated outstanding in-water reliability,
In a typical engagement, Spearfish will run out wire-guided affirming user confidence and minimising proofing and
to the general vicinity of the target and then conduct a surveillance requirements.
covert passive search. The high-capacity guide wire system,
Fleet issue weapons have a five-year fuelled life, and are
specifically designed to match Spearfish’s manoeuvre and
certified for lifed item replacement at a minimum 90-month
speed envelope, provides two-way data exchange between
interval. Otherwise, planned maintenance activity is limited to
the torpedo and the launch submarine, maximising the
periodic ‘through-the-skin’ testing.
submarines’ organic sensor and combat control capabilities.
Its digital technology and commercial off-the-shelf
Once at close range the torpedo accelerates to sprint
hardware is designed to improve maintainability and
speed and uses active sonar to classify and home in on its
reduce through-life costs.
target. High power transmissions and sophisticated signal
processing enable Spearfish to accurately discriminate
targets from background noise, and ensure high resistance
to acoustic countermeasures and/or evasive manoeuvres.
Should Spearfish fail to hit the target on its first attack,
it automatically selects an appropriate re-attack mode to
successfully conclude the engagement. Tactical software
functionality has been refined by an extensive programme
of real time hardware-in-the-loop simulations, demonstrated
in over 500 in-water trials and exercise firings.
The guidance section, located in the mid-body of the
torpedo, contains a tactical computer controlling all
functions from propulsion to homing. It makes decisions
For more information contact: Disclaimer and restrictions on use

BAE Systems Maritime Services
Broad Oak, The Airport, Portsmouth This publication is issued to provide outline information only. No advice given or statements or recommendations made shall in any
Hampshire, PO3 5PQ, United Kingdom circumstances constitute or be deemed to constitute a warranty or representation by BAE Systems as to the accuracy or completeness
E: [email protected] of such advice, statements or recommendations. BAE Systems shall not be liable for any loss, expense, damage or claim howsoever
W: www.baesystems.com/underwater arising out of the advice given or not given or statements made or omitted to be made in connection with this document. No part of this
document may be copied, reproduced, adapted or redistributed in any form or by any means without the express prior written consent
CM213720.12.v01 of BAE Systems. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trademark of BAE Systems plc.

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Our torpedo solutions offer

unparalleled performance, assuring

For more information contact: Disclaimer and restrictions on use

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