21" Torpedo on Surface Combatants

Distiller

New Member
Is ASROC the only reason why no Western navy uses heavy torpedoes on surface units?

Russians and Chinese still have them.

It is still the most powerful close-in anti-ship weapon. Tactically there are situations imaginable where an enemy is too close for an anti-ship missile shot. Plus you don't need any active EM emissions to target a torpedo.

And would a modern lightweight torpedo with its shaped-charged warhead be enough to sink a large surface combatant?
 

AegisFC

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Is ASROC the only reason why no Western navy uses heavy torpedoes on surface units?

Russians and Chinese still have them.

It is still the most powerful close-in anti-ship weapon. Tactically there are situations imaginable where an enemy is too close for an anti-ship missile shot. Plus you don't need any active EM emissions to target a torpedo.

And would a modern lightweight torpedo with its shaped-charged warhead be enough to sink a large surface combatant?
Torpedoes on surface ships are pretty much only ASW weapons, it is quicker and more effective to either launch a missile or just shoot the cannon at anyone close in.
If you are that close not radiating to remain hidden to passive sensors isn't one of your concerns. A lot of AA missiles have a surface mode and you can just quick fire a couple of those at a target that are too close for harpoon, exocet, or whatever whatever.
 

Lostfleet

New Member
With todays technology I would think it would be a very rare event for two warships be in visual range or something close to that during a combat. Every new platform or upgrade makes the ships detect surface combatants at further distance. ( You could argue that ships are becoming more stealthy as well but yet again not stealth enough for close range)

However you could have a long range torpedo, small and silent enough to be not detected and have enough capability to make its own decisions or have the capability get guidance from far away. Sort of a Unmanned Submersible Vehicle but used as a torpedo.
 
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