You might find this article on the Shkval interesting if not funny. It's a really in depth analysis of the weapon that Iran has been boasting
about. Basically, a WWII U-boat has as good a chance of sinking an enemy sub as anyone using the Shkval.
Wrong. It is not an article but an assay written by a writer who's a Naval enthusiast and wrights fictional novels about Naval warfare.
The essay in question is already being discussed here;
www.abovetopsecret.com...
Joe Buffs notions on Shkval and its deployment are misguided at best.
Shkval-1 is not a "dumb" WWII straight runner that can not maneuver. While it is not actively guided, it is pre-programmed with target data and
executes a computer generated intercept maneuver, or if manually launched with out targeting data it enters an automatic area search pattern mode.
When launched in manual mode, optimum search pattern model is automatically selected from a pre programmed databank after the operator enters the
engagement area parameters and expected target type/classification.
If the engagement area is surveyed and expected threats are assessed, the data can be manually entered and saved as a custom memory mode. This allows
the operator to instantly recall targeting parameters relevant to the engagement area and enter the position of the launching platform and expected
location/type of the target.
Variable such as surface targets, submerged, water depth/target depth, distance, target speed/maneuverability and expected evasive maneuvers, etc.
After calculating engagement variables the computer chooses the best search pattern mode and launches the weapon.
When targeting data is available the fuse is programed to detonate upon reaching the intercept point and does not require contact with the target.
When targeting data is not available and the torpedo is in search mode, magnetic proximity fuse detonates the warhead upon sensing the the hull of the
target.
Do to the speed of the torpedo and its short intercept time, magnetic countermeasures can not be deployed in time to effectively spoof the fuse.
Shkval-1 is the 1st gen weapon which is over twenty years old, and the performance data of the current Shkval-2 is classified, but it is said that it
has much longer range, uses thrust vectoring and active guidance, making it the most advanced torpedo to date.
While German Barracuda scav torpedo is said to use active guidance and a rotating nose cone to achieve a high degree of maneuverability, to date only
CG graphics of the weapon have been published and no real life test were announced, thus placing the German project in a category of conceptual
research and development.
The principle of navigation and targeting is very simple and efficient - internal programming. After a target is detected through visual means,
radar, or satellites and its speed and heading are identified, the "Shkval" underwater missile is programmed with estimated intercept coordinates
and launched. The missile has no on-board targeting systems, but due to its high speed and stealth its intended target has no way of detecting and
evading the missile in short time of the missile's underwater "flight." Naturally, the missile is 100% jam-proof and there are no defenses against
this type of weapon in any navy in the world (including Russian).
www.aeronautics.ru...
In order to avoid well expected bias, here's fas.org
The concept of operations for this missile requires the crew of a submarine, ship or the coast guard define the target's parameters -- speed,
distance and vector -- and feeds the data to the missile's automatic pilot. The missile is fired, achieves its optimum depth and switches on its
engines. The missile does not have a homing warhead and follows a computer-generated program.
www.fas.org...
"Shkval 2" - Current variant; believed to be guided, possibly via the use of vectored thrust, and with much longer range.
en.wikipedia.org...