RSSThe LWTs Airborne and Shipborne family is backed by over 20 years of experience in the Torpedo Launching Systems field.
Born in the late 70s for the MK44 torpedo preset and firing needs (nowadays phased- out), the family is technologically & performance-wise evolved on the wave of the improved LWTs capabilities and of the new surface vessel’s combat systems structures.
This to achieve a comprehensive Torpedo Launching System featuring multi-system capabilities, outstanding safeties as well as compliant with the most demanding environmental aggressions.
GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
Of mechanical and electronic modular architecture, the systems can be configured for the control, preset and fire of the MU90, the A244/s (any model) and the MK46 (any model) torpedoes as well as a combination of different systems (Dual torpedo system capability).
AIRBORNE ASW SYSTEMS
The Airborne ASW systems control, preset and release LWTs from aircraft. Of modular architecture, the systems can be integrated onboard of fixed wings or rotary wings aircraft and can be configured for the operation of different LWTs such as the MU90, the A244/s (any model) and the MK46 (any model). The LWTs ATS family is in service onboard a number of air platforms all over the world.
Three different Airborne ASW system configurations have been developed to meet the different platform’s capabilities and needs: the stand-alone, the semi-integrated and the fully integrated version.
In its stand-alone version, the Airborne ASW system is composed of the APS control panel and the APS computer unit. The links with the platform are limited to the power supply and the store release system’s consent. Torpedo preset parameters as well as target data are manually input. The APS control panel is, in general, accommodated at the pilot /co-pilot post whiles the Computer Unit in the rear of the platform. The Computer Unit is provided with a support tray and shock-absorbers.
In the semi-integrated version, the APS computer unit is also linked to the ASW sensors of the aircraft (data log, dunking sonar or sonobuoy system or Link 11) through which the engaged target data can be automatically fed to the Torpedo system resulting in automatic computation of the optimum torpedo firing solution, the associated punctual Hitting Probability, the recommended heading and time to drop.
In the fully integrated version, the Airborne ASW system is represented by a ‘black box’, the Torpedo Control Unit (TCU). The TCU is connected to the aircraft’s local network (double-redundant BUS 1553) and dialogues with the MCU as well as with the Store Management System (SMS). The control of the torpedo system is fully exercised by MCU console where a dedicated man-machine Interface (MMI software) allows the data exchange between the ASW operator (TACCO) and the torpedo system.
According to the air platform SMS architecture, the same functionality of the TCU can be achieved by the TCM, a single PC board, that can be plug-in into the existing SMS whether compatible.
SHIPBORNE ASW SYSTEMS
The standard configuration of the Shipborne Torpedo System consists of a shipborne presetter (SPS) connected to the PORT and STBD Torpedo Launching Stations (TLS) through Torpedo Interface Units (TIU). Temperature Alarm Panel (TAP) and Torpedo Tubes’ Air Charging Stations (CHS) are also provided. The LWT STS family is in service with a number of Navies all over the world.
In its standard configuration, the SPS is linked to the LAN of the vessel so that the Torpedo System is fully remotely operated through the ship’s Multi Function Consoles (MFC) of the CCC. Training mode and degraded operational modes as ‘local mode’ and ‘emergency mode’ are built–in features of the system.
When operated in local mode, the touch-screen display of the SPS features an operator-friendly man-machine interface suitable to monitor the status of each torpedo (in each barrel), the status of the barrels and the status of any of the links with the ship’s combat system. Ship’s data log and Target data collected through the link with the LAN are processed by the SPS in order to assess the optimum torpedo firing solution as well as the relevant Hitting Probability circles associated to the engaged target. When operated in remote mode, all data computed and available at SPS level are provided to the MFC to allow same MMI and extended planning functions. The Torpedo Interface Unit (one each Torpedo Launching Station) represents the electrical interface between the SPS and the Torpedo/Tube. According to the system configuration, the TIU accommodates the relevant torpedo hardware interface. The link of the TIU with the SPS is a digital serial line.
The standard deck-mounted Torpedo Launching Stations are the well proven B515 trainable triple-barrels. The B515 is an upgraded version of the former ILAS-3 torpedo launcher.
The 324 mm diameter / 3.4 m long tubes incorporate temperature
controlled electrical heating. Torpedo firing is achieved through compressed air-pulse which is released upon remote electrical order provided by the STS. A local and selective emergency push-button is provided for degraded mode operations or jettison.
