212CD subs to receive Common Heavy Weight Torpedo (CHWT)

The Norwegian-German submarines of the 212 CD class are to achieve a significantly higher level of performance than their predecessors of the U212A class. In order to adapt the boats to the changed threat situation, however, they must be equipped with an improved main weapon. Therefore, according to current plans, a new German-Norwegian torpedo called the “Common Heavy Weight Torpedo” (CHWT) is to be integrated into the new class.

The CHWT is the further development of the current DM2A4 heavyweight torpedo, according to a spokesman from the German MoD. “The further development is taking place as part of the German-Norwegian cooperation to equip the future Class 212 CD submarines,” he said, without providing any information on timelines or costs. The exact name of the CHWT that will be introduced into Bundeswehr service has not yet been determined, the spokesman continued.

According to the current plans, the first boat of the new U212 CD class is to be handed over to the Norwegian Navy in 2029. This date could also represent an important milestone for the new torpedo.

The DM2A4 heavyweight torpedo previously used by the German Navy is built by Atlas Elektronik, a subsidiary of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS). Since the CHWT is a joint project with Norway, observers believe that Norwegian partners will also be involved. The Kongsberg Group, which has extensive underwater expertise, is considered a hot candidate.

The Navy will be working more closely with Kongsberg next year, hartpunkt sources report. Tests of unmanned surface vehicles to supplement the manned fleet will begin then. As part of its target called “Course 2035+”, the Navy wants to use both surface and underwater drones in the future.

CHWT and the Blue Whale 

The Blue Whale large underwater drone is built by IAI for a range of operations including reconnaissance and ASW. Credit: IAI.

While the CHWT builds upon a familiar concept, the use of uncrewed underwater vehicles is entirely new, and requires testing. The German Navy has already begun testing the use of unmanned underwater vehicles this year – with success, according to hartpunkt sources.  This year’s testing was carried out as part of Operational Experimentation (OPEX), as the Bundeswehr wrote in a press release. OPEX is a “toolbox” for promoting innovation. The central idea here is to test new approaches and technologies quickly and comprehensively under the most realistic conditions possible, and to do so together with the areas of the Bundeswehr that deal with innovation. 

As part of the OPEX Blue Whale, an underwater drone of the same name was tested. It is manufactured by the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and is equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), among other things. The tests took place in the Baltic Sea. With a length of 10.9 meters, a diameter of 1.12 meters and a weight of 5.5 tons, the Blue Whale ASW platform is a so-called Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (Large UUV). According to the Bundeswehr, modern sensor systems for reconnaissance above and below water are integrated.

These include, in particular, an optronic mast with various camera systems and passive sonar technology. The passive “towed array sonar” is designed for the detection and classification of underwater objects above and below acoustic layers and offers decisive operational advantages due to the triplet technology, according to the Bundeswehr. Major parts of the Blue Whale’s sensor equipment are supplied by Atlas Elektronik, such as the towed sonar. The partners for the testing were therefore tkMS and IAI. The two partners presented the Blue Whale ASW for the first time as a joint development at a trade fair in October last year.

The capabilities of the Blue Whale are not limited to ASW, according to the Bundeswehr. It can be configured for a variety of missions, including covert reconnaissance, sea mine countermeasures and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. According to IAI, the battery-powered Blue Whale can operate continuously for two to four weeks, depending on the mission profile.

The OPEX campaign reached its peak during a two-week sea trial in November, during which the system was exposed to the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea. In combination with a transmitter, the system can detect and track submarines and other unmanned underwater vehicles bi-statically. In addition, the ability to conduct covert surface reconnaissance was thoroughly tested. According to the Bundeswehr, this is a capability that is otherwise only available to manned submarines. 

This article, written by Lars Hoffmann, was originally published by hartpunkt on 5th December 2024.  Hartpunkt and Calibre are collaborating to bring you the best content from across Europe.