RAN Air Warfare Destroyer Tests Torpedos

 Australian Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced Oct. 30 that firing tests of torpedo launchers for the new Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) have been held in Adelaide. 

The tests were part of acceptance testing of the weapon systems for the second destroyer Brisbane and involved firing an MU-90 practice delivery torpedo from an MK32 Mod 9 Surface Vessel torpedo tube. 

The system is made up of three main components – a launcher, an air charging panel and a torpedo loading tray. 

“All three destroyers will have MK32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers installed in the port and starboard magazine compartments of the ship,” Mr Clare said. 

“The launch system will be capable of deploying lightweight torpedoes against enemy submarines.” 

The AWD Alliance has already taken delivery of the first shipset of torpedo launchers for the first destroyer Hobart from subcontractor Babcock after Factory Acceptance Testing was successfully completed in June. 

The testing took place at the Techport Australia facility and included launching the MU-90 practice delivery torpedo from the surface vessel torpedo tubes into a custom designed test rig. 

The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering three of the most complex surface combatants ever built in Australia and is made up of Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Raytheon Australia. 

The Hobart Class destroyers will provide a significant increase in Australia’s defence capabilities. The destroyers will be the most capable surface combatants ever operated by the Navy.