(source)Final system integration firings with the DM 2 A4 - SEAHAKE mod 4, ATLAS Elektronik's new heavy weight torpedo, were conducted when the Italian 212 A class SCIRE and her German sister boat U-33 proved their perfect interoperability in September off Taranto in Southern Italy.
At present, the two Italian 212 A's are armed with the A-184 heavy weight torpedo and will supposedly receive the still to be introduced "BLACK SHARK" from WASS. Since both the German and Italian sister boats are equipped with Kongsberg's Basic Command and Weapons Control System MSI 90 U and ATLAS's sonar suites, problems with SCIRE's first time launching of the optically-guided German high performance torpedo were not expected - and did not occur. For the Italian Navy, this was a convincing proof that the German partners and their technology can be relied upon to complete the task.
Up till 25 September, U-33 carried on with a series of open range firings on high speed targets like MAESTRALE class frigates and auxiliaries provided by the host navy. This demonstrated the enormous capabilities of the fuel-cell powered 212 A class in combination with its new torpedo, especially when firing a salvo of four torpedoes simultaneously on four different targets ending in successful hit of each target. The superb weather and the relatively low traffic intensity in Tarento Bay allowed the commanding officer to fully exploit the - relative to the predecessor weapon - dramatically increased speed and range of the DM 2 A4.
The firings were supported by a mobile team of torpedo experts from the civilian "Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons" (WTD 71), and their auxiliary ship KRONSORT, based in Eckernfoerde, Germany. Almost 2,000 miles away from home, they demonstrated dedication and professionalism to both Italian and German submariners and did their utmost to bring about success.
Interesting that they tested it from an Italian submarine as well. And results look pretty good.
Info:
DM2A4 heavyweight torpedo
Manufacturer: STN Atlas Elektronik
Target Spectrum: Multipurpose surface/subsurface
Size: 1370 kg, 533mm diameter, 6.6m length (German standard version)
Range: > 27 nm (50 km)
Speed: > 50 knots (90 km/h)
Depth: maximum 300m official
Warhead: 255 kg HE
Guidance: fibre-optic cable for remote guidance (ECM-resistant); wake-homing sonar; active sonar; onboard re-attack capability
Uses Permasyn motor (275 kW; similar system to main engine on U212A) for silent propulsion. UUV version for reconnaissance (with sensor payload) is planned.
And because it's rare to hear of them:
Y861 Kronsort
Weapon Trials Support Ship (Picture)
Operator: BWB WTD 71
Displacement: 850 tons
Dimensions: 56.5 x 10.8 x 3.7 meters
Officially classified "Multi-purpose Boat" (MZB). Carries extensive sensor suite for trials support. Part of the WTD71 ("Technical Department: Ships and Naval Weapons") trials fleet of eight "research ships" (which includes the two large NATO research ships). Modernized 2005 at TKMS Nobiskrug shipyard.