Spearfish torpedo

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Spearfish
Service history
In service	1992-present
Production history
Manufacturer	BAE Systems Underwater Systems
Produced	1988-2003
Specifications
Weight	1,850 kg (4,075 lb)
Length	7 m (23 ft)
Diameter	533 mm (21 in)

Maximum range	54 km (30 nm) at low speed 23 km (12.5 nm) at high speed
Warhead	Aluminised PBX explosive
Warhead weight	300 kg (660 lb)
Detonation mechanism	Proximity or contact detonation

Engine	Sundstrand gas-turbine with Pump-jet
Propellant	HAP / Otto fuel II
Speed	80 knots (150 km/h) (1994 version on short range setting)
Guidance system	Wire-guided with autonomous active terminal homing sonar

The Spearfish torpedo (formally Naval Staff Target 7525) is the heavy acoustic homing torpedo used by the submarines of the Royal Navy. It is a dual-purpose wire-guided weapon and provides both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW) capability, replacing the Tigerfish torpedo which was withdrawn in 2004.

The significantly higher speed of the Spearfish was intended to catch high-speed, deep-diving Soviet threats such as the Alfa class submarine. The weapon is driven by a pump-jet coupled to a Hamilton Sundstrand 21TP04 gas turbine engine.

The torpedo's warhead is equipped with a shaped charge with directed energy and was designed to penetrate the double-hull construction of the Soviet submarines. A microprocessor aboard the weapon provides the ability to make autonomous tactical decisions during the attack.

The production contract for the Spearfish Torpedo was placed with Marconi Underwater Systems Ltd (now BAE Systems) in 1983, following a development programme lasting for several years. Spearfish entered full production in 1988, with deliveries completed in 2003. The exact number of units ordered has not been revealed. Spearfish torpedoes are stored and serviced at Beith Ordnance Storage facility in North Ayrshire.