VA-111 Shkval

The VA-111 Shkval is a very fast and very powerful torpedo in the arsenal of the Russian Navy. It was developed by the Soviet State-run firm Dvigatel Zavod ( today JSC Tactical Missile Corporation) during the Cold War. It was designed in 1967 and entered service in 1977. The Shkval torpedo has been part of the weaponry of the Sierra, Victor, Akula, and Yasen class nuclear attack submarines as well as the Borei class nuclear ballistic boats. It was conceived to sink US Navy's supercarriers and battleships with only one blow.

Technical Description

The VA-111 Shkval is a high-speed, supercavitating torpedo. Powered by a rocket motor, it can reach the top speed of 490 km/h (304.4 mph), with a maximum range of 10 km (6.2 miles) or 5.4 nautical miles. A supercavitating torpedo is a rocket-propelled torpedo which swims in a frictionless air bubble called cavitation, rendering the underwater missile extremely fast. It is outfitted with either a 350-kg (770-lb) high explosive warhead or a nuclear warhead tip.

The VA-111 is equipped with a conical disk at its nose to create supercavitation, which produces an envelope of bubbles that coat the surface of torpedo with a thin layer of gas. This makes the metal skin of weapon avoid contact with water, thus sharply minimizing drag and friction. The conical disk tilts to keep the torpedo stable and guide it to its target. The Shkval is also fitted with guidance fins at the rear portion of weapon. These fins spring out once the torpedo has been launched to control the direction of torpedo.

Specifications

Type: anti-ship, anti-submarine torpedo.

Length: 8.2 m (26 feet, 11 inches)

Diameter: 0.533 m/53.3 cm (1 feet, 9 inches)

Total Weight: 2,700 kg (5,953 pounds)

Propulsion: solid-fuel rocket motor.

Guidance System: GOLIS autonomous inertial guidance.

Maximum Speed: 490 km/h (304.4 mph)

Range: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Below, diagram-like picture of the VA-111 Shkval.

The Soviet supercavitating torpedo on display during an exhibition.

Below, an Akula class submarine armed with this lethal weapon.