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2023-06-01

RAFAEL and DSIT Launch Torpedo Integrated Defence Suite for Surface Vessels

In the modern naval battlespace, the threat of torpedoes poses complex challenges for submarines and surface vessels. As the capa-bilities of torpedoes have advanced, the need for more sophisticated defence has as well. At the recently concluded IMDEX 2023 in Singapore, RAFAEL and DSIT unveiled TORBUSTER SP, a comprehensive torpedo defence suite for surface ships.

The innovative suite includes the Blackfish and Monkfish Torpedo Detection and Alert Sonar (TDAS) Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) systems, which are designed to work continuously while the ships are at sea and equipped with the latest technology to actively detect, classify, track, and alert on incoming torpedoes.

In addition, the suite features RAFAEL’s TORBUSTER hard kill decoy, which can be strategically mounted on ships to deceive and neutralise incoming torpedoes, providing critical seconds for the ships to manoeuvre and evade an attack.

The TORBUSTER SP can defend against both passive and active torpedoes, as well as wake-homing torpedoes. In the case of passive tor-pedoes, it can simulate the ship’s acoustic signature to lure the torpedo away from the vessel. For active torpedoes, it can provide a near real-time tailored response based on the torpedo’s transmission. The decoy is designed to neutralise incoming torpedoes and prevent re-attacks.

The TORBUSTER SP is a variant of the TORBUSTER hard-kill torpedo countermeasure system, a fourth-generation combined soft and hard-kill decoy for submarines. It has been proven effective in new scenarios against evolving threats. Upon detecting an incoming threat, it is launched from an external launcher, propels itself to a safe distance from the submarine and lures the incoming torpedo by transmitting a tailored response based on the reactive technology developed for the SCUTTER Mk 3. As the torpedo homes in on the decoy, the decoy senses its proximity and detonates its warhead, neutralising the torpedo. This novel torpedo defence countermeasure ends torpedo attacks after the first one in all types of environments, including shallow water. It is designed to be a force multiplier that provides surface ships with protection against torpedo attacks, giving ship operators a qualitative edge at sea.

The TORBUSTER is operated through the SHADE system. It is run by a single operator via a console that presents the scenario, the pro-posed timing, pre-sets, and inventory, as well as modes of operation and maintenance displays.

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