F21

Description: The F17 heavyweight replacement torpedo is being designed to fit into French Navy's existing and projected ballistic and attack submarines replacing the current F17 Mod2 torpedo. The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded the 420 million Euro development, integration and procurement contract to DCNS on April 2, 2008. The contract included the procurement of 100 torpedoes and a six-year maintenance, logistics support and crew training contract. Besides, the contract establishes options to equip additional submarines with new procurement torpedoes. Production of the next generation torpedo will be carried out by DCNS and Italian company WASS (Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei), while Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) will manufacture the acoustic homing head.

The F17 replacement torpedo will be derived from the proven BlackShark heavyweight torpedo also produced by DCNS and WASS. It will feature a range of over 50 kilometers and a top speed in excess of 50 knots. Its warhead is being designed to take out any kind of surface fighting ships and submarines, while delivering outstanding safety standards needed for deployment aboard ballistic submarines. It will be powered using electric propulsion. The guidance system will combine wire guidance and final-phase autonomous homing with counter-countermeasure capabilities. The weapon will be fully compatible with the latest combat management systems carried by French submarines.