Friday, March 19, 2010

Shkval

IOC: 2003

Also Known As
BA-111
Shkval-E

Origin
Russia

Contractor/s
Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV)

Applications
Amur 1650
Project 636
Project 855
Project 877
Project 945A
Project 949A
Project 971
Project 971A

Description: The Shkval, 'Squall' in English, is a nuclear-capable underwater anti-ship missile designed for use by nuclear-powered submarines against large surface ships such as aircraft carriers. It comprises a rocket-assisted propeller, which allows a top speed of 220 mph and a maximum range of 6 nautical miles, and a torpedo warhead. The super-cavitating Shkval is considered silent and fast, up to 3-to-4 times over existing torpedoes. The underwater rocket produces a high-pressure stream of bubbles from its nose and skin, which coats the torpedo in a thin layer of gas and forms a local envelope of super-cavitating bubbles achieving low drag. It is not clear whether the lack of a guidance system or, if exists, how it works. Due to its unique characteristics, Shkval is deemed as one of the most advanced naval weapon systems currently deployed worldwide.

In addition to the Russian Navy, the Shkval rocket-assisted torpedo has been sold to India, Iran and Ukraine. In 2008 it was said that Iran may use the Shkval underwater rocket to target the US Navy's aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. According to some reports they may use small fast boats as launch platforms. Russia claims that Ukraine sold five brand-new Shkval underwater missiles to Georgia prior to August 2008 conflict. Its development started in times of the Soviet Union and was completed by Russia after 2000. This missile system has been pointed out as the source of the fatal accident that shrunken the Russian Navy's Kursk nuclear-powered boat in August 2000. Apparently, the missile was undergoing tests aboard the doomed submarine.

Specifications
Dimensions: Diameter 534.40 mm, Length 8.2 m

Weights: Warhead 210 kg (463 lb), Weight 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)

Performance: Max Operating Depth 30 m (98 ft), Max Range 10 km (5 nm), Min Range 500 m (1,640 ft), Top Speed 220 mph (354 kph)

Operators

see operators map

Georgia / 5 / Unknown

India

Iran

Russia

Ukraine

Internet Resources
Shkval-E

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Sunday, March 07, 2010

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