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In the area of Russian submarine weapons Submarine Matters has been remiss in only mentioning Russian SLCMs like the Klub. So MHalblaub's mention at of Russian torpedos is useful. MHalblaub advises that “The Russian do use a hypergolic propellant (Kerosene + hydrogen peroxide) for torpedoes (remember the Kursk!)" The Kursk leakage of its hydrogen peroxide fuel onto metals and oxides in the torpedo, resulting in a chemical reaction that culminated in an explosion of the fuel and a kerosene tank and the Kursk's eventual destruction.
This hydrogen peroxide propellant is used on several heavyweight Russian torpedo types including:
- VA-111 Shkval torpedo - This extremely noisy rocket powered torpedo is supercavitating . It is a thought to be used as a revenge weapon (when the host sub is about to be destroyed) hence the host sub being detected due to the noise is a low consideration.
- Type 65 for 650mm torpedos originally developed to counter US Navy aircraft carrier battle groups, large merchant ships like supertankers, and advanced enemy submarines . Russian officials believe that a 65-76A modification of this torpedo is responsible for the explosion of the Kursk. Range: 50 km at 93 km/h (50 knots), 100 km at 56 km/h. Homing: active/passive sonar and wire guidance. Warhead: 450/557 kg high explosive. Propulsion probably gas-turbine powered by hydrogen peroxide, kerosene and compressed air fuel. Driving contra-rotating propellers.
- Type 53 - a 533mm torpedo. The 53-65 torpedo family are wake-homing torpedoes designed to destroy surface ships. The 53-65 became operational in 1965, while the 53-65K and 53-65M both became operational in 1969. The 53-65KE is an exported version. China received an unknown number of 53-65KE torpedoes from Russia after purchasing 4 Kilo class submarines in the 1990s. The Type 53 torpedo is carried by almost all Russian submarines, including Kilo class and Akula class. Range: quite low 18+ km, Speed: 83 km/h (45 kt), Warhead: 307.6 kilograms.
Russian mines next.
Pete