MU90 Lightweight Torpedo Passes French Navy Acceptance Tests

Released on Thursday, May 24, 2007

DCNS successfully completed the final firing test for the formal acceptance of the first batch of MU90 lightweight torpedoes for the French Navy. The tests were conducted jointly using facilities made available by government agencies and DCNS's Saint Tropez-based Underwater Weapons BU under contractual requirements for each production batch. The latest tests confirmed the results of earlier campaigns, including a series of tests under extreme conditions in 2006. The timely completion of acceptance testing means that the first batch of MU90 torpedoes for France will be operational by late July.

The MU90 is produced by EuroTorp, an EEIG (European Economic Interest Grouping) set up by DCNS, Thales and WASS of Italy. This new-generation lightweight torpedo is designed to combat modern, deep-diving submarines carrying advanced countermeasures. It can be launched by surface combatants or aircraft, or as part of a missile-launched torpedo system. The French Navy will deploy the MU90 as a replacement for type L5 and Mk46 torpedoes carried by type F70 frigates and ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft and as standard fit for FREMM frigates, Horizon air defence destroyers and new-generation NH90 helicopters.

The MU90 benefits from DCNS's expertise in battery design as applied to the torpedo's SYP powerpack which combines high power and excellent endurance. This makes the MU90 fast and agile while ensuring range and diving capabilities comparable to those of current-generation heavyweight torpedoes. Overall, the MU90 offers the highest performance of any lightweight torpedo currently available on the world market.

Over 800 MU90 torpedoes have been ordered to date by Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Poland. These will be assembled by the DCNS plant in Saint Tropez, France, and the WASS plant in Livorno, Italy. DCNS also supplies and installs torpedo launch systems on surface combatants and aircraft as well as providing the associated logistic support services.