How serious a threat to USN ships are these things?

2015-10-09T01:41:24-04:00

From "Jane's IHS 360"

Iran displays supercavitating torpedo and semi-submersible

Iran displayed its Hoot high-speed rocket-torpedo for the first time during an exhibition by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGN) on 3 October.

The imagery confirmed long-held suspicions that the Hoot is identical to the VA-111 Shkval supercavitating torpedo that was developed by the Soviet Union. It has the same eight jet nozzles at the rear and four stabilisation fins that pop out of the torpedo's body.

Launched from a standard 533 mm torpedo tube, the rocket-powered weapon creates an air pocket around itself, thereby reducing drag and enabling it to reach speeds of up to 200 kt (370 km/h).

. . .

The IRGC also displayed a semi-submersible torpedo boat called the Zolfaqar. Such vessels are not considered to be true submarines because they need to keep a snorkel above the water to feed oxygen to their engines. They are nevertheless still difficult to detect using radar when submerged.

. . .

The Fars News Agency reported that the Zolfaqar is 17 m long, 3.3 m wide, weighs 22 tonnes, has a top speed of 70 km/h (38 kt), and is armed with the 324 mm torpedoes.

http://www.janes.com/article/55043/iran-displays-supercavitating-torpedo-and-semi-submersible?utm_campaign=[PMP]_PC5308_J360%2007.10.15%20_KV_Deployment&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Iran displays supercavitating torpedo and semi-submersible - IHS Jane's 360

Iran displayed its Hoot high-speed rocket-torpedo for the first time during an exhibition by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGN) on 3 October. The imagery confirmed long-held suspicions that the Hoot is identical to the VA-111 Shkval supercavitating torpedo that was

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Oct 9 at 2015 3:29 AM

2015-10-09T03:29:33-04:00

COL Ted Mc From the information provided, and some additional research online, this could certainly be a limited threat to our Naval ships. The The Shkval was originally intended as a countermeasure against torpedoes launched by undetected enemy submarines, however the fact that it has been reported that speeds of 250 knots, or greater, are possible, it could certainly be used as a deadly first strike weapon.

The biggest limitation is probably the maneuverability of the torpedo, although the Shkval reportedly had an estimated 80% kill probability at a range about seven kilometers as long as no tight turns were required. These tactical limitations could possibly limit the scope of attacks primarily to slower moving vessels.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-10-09T10:00:33-04:00

Not a threat

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 9 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-10-09T10:27:17-04:00

IMO, any response to this by any active duty knowledgeable Naval personnel would be a violation of OPSEC regulations.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-10-09T11:50:05-04:00

The Iranians have to figure out the guidance too, not just the weapon system. There are a lot of technical issues with a weapon of this type. They'd need a lot of "advisors" from Russia to assist if they are to have any hope of employing it effectively.

This is kind of a thing in despotic countries. They always throw parades with lots of tanks and impressive looking rockets mounted on trucks.
We are very good at breaking their toys.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-10-09T12:27:20-04:00

even bb gun can chip a carrier's paint. So we must nuke them now and solve this problem before they get out of hand! lol

A badly designed machine gun, still kills .. so don't under estimate your enemies.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Oct 9 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-10-09T13:26:45-04:00

Its the same old story of one of the big nations "assisting" with development or outright selling technology to some despot.
They get the weapons but not the complete technical know how and that's why for the most part the weapons are ineffective.
Some weapons are no brainers, sell them a bunch of rocket launchers, Carbine assault rifles, pistols, etc., and they can pretty much grab and go on their way. Aircraft, torpedoes, complex missiles need more training and other support systems to operate effectively.
Between the US, Russia and China we need to stop arming these nations and let them come to solutions on their own.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Oct 9 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-10-09T14:54:35-04:00

This would be deadly to a submarine.