alphamale
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python416 said:Iran executed another supercavitating torpedo test today, this time in the Strait of Hormuz. World crude prices have now hit their highest levels since Katrina. This technology looks very much like that of the Shkval series originally designed by the USSR. Although the technology is impressive, increasing tensions in the region are something to be concerned about. With the military option still on the table, how do these torpedos affect the military/political strategy of the Bush administration?
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/2e6afff6-c33a-11da-a381-0000779e2340.html
danarhea said:If we attack Iran, you can say goodbye to most of the Fifth Fleet.
The information is not correct.
There is indeed a countermeasoure. A shkval is only able to move straight ahead. And personally i don't that the Iran has evolved beyond the russian design. But, and thats the point, the german firm "Diehl BTG Defence" has developed a supercavitation torpedo which is able to intercept and destroy a shkval. That is possible not only because it is faster (around 800km/h) but also able to steer underway.
It is named "Barracuda".
Further information only in german, on this site for eyample: http://www.morgenwelt.de/609.html
Posted by: Frank at April 3, 2006 12:04 PM
oldreliable67 said:You're making a couple of pretty strong assumptions with that statement. One, that Iran has enough of these things to make a difference, and two, that we are totally unable to defense them. On the first assumption, if Iran's test was acceptable, they no doubt will be making these things as fast as they can. But we, that is, you and I, have no way of knowing just how long it takes and what is required. If however, this device is at least partly based on the Russian design, which seems highly likely, then our military has a pretty good base of info from which to work.
Secondly, as to whether or not we can mount a successful defense against them, I would guess that whether yes or no, our military will be relatively quiet about it, but at the same time, speak - publicly, that is - in only reassuring tones. Since we have known about the principles since the Russian design became known, it would seem quite unlikely that we haven't studied how to defend against them. Whether our studies bore fruit or not, only the Navy and the DoD know for sure. If we lose a ship or two, we may find out.
Do they pose an incremental risk? Absolutely. But do they signal the end of the Fifth Fleet? Not hardly.
On what do you based this conclusion?danarhea said:If we attack Iran, you can say goodbye to most of the Fifth Fleet.