Oh no he found his way over here too. It’s Andi Biochemicali.
I posted this post in a different thread, but no one responded so here we go:
DM2A4 integrated in the U212 design:
The DM2A4
Upgrade provides ‘mix-and-match’ torpedo
Radical changes in the configuration of the STN Atlas DM2 (Deutsches Modell 2) — export name: Seehecht (Seahake) — torpedo family are now being offered as a further upgrade for this weapon or as a new-build weapon, writes E R Hooton. The DM 2A1 entered service in 1976 and, since 1980, STN Atlas has continually upgraded the design, exporting versions that retain the overall capability but lack certain sensitive features. The current production version for the German Navy and NATO is DM2A3.
The latest version, DM2A4 — export designation Seahake Mod 4 — has been developed specifically for the German Navy’s Type 212 submarine programme and will enter service in about 2003. This retains the electrical propulsion of its predecessor, using new silver-zinc batteries with disc-shaped cells. These power a new 300kW high-frequency, permanent-magnet, synchronised motor with seven-phase stator and planetary gear. The motor has step-less speed changes and is more than 90% efficient. There is also a new fin and rudder design.
The propulsion system is the key to the radical change planned for the DM2A4. In its standard configuration (length 6.6m), the weapon will have four batteries to achieve its maximum range of more than 27nm (50km) and a speed of some 50kt.
There are four other variants, ranging in length from 5.9m down to 4.5m, but with fewer batteries. The M (Medium) version will have three batteries, giving a range of about 21nm (40km); the S (Short) two-battery version will have a range of about 16nm (30km); plus two single-battery versions. Of the latter, the VS (Very Short) version will have a range of about 10nm (17.5km). The maximum speeds of these weapons will range from 90% to 35% of the standard configuration weapon.
On the DM2A4, the mechanical swivelling transducer array is replaced by a conformal sensor, with 38 staves (152 transducers) which produces pre-formed, wide-angle beams. Export weapons will have full digital-signal processing but German Navy weapons, which will be upgraded from the DM2A3, and will retain some analogue features. A fibre-optic wire with two-way communication will complete the guidance system.
The weapon retains the 250kg hexagon/RDT/aluminium high-explosive warhead (equivalent to 460kg of TNT) with magnetic influence and contact fuzes, but with a wake sensor added to improve torpedo counter-countermeasures capabilities.
The most unusual version of the DM2A4 is derived from the VS but with a wake-homing sensor. This weapon is designed specifically for use against merchant ships and is one of a package of DM2A4s sold to an unidentified NATO country.
Growth potential has been built-in to the design with two stages scheduled by 2010 and another in the following decade, the latter as DM2A5 (Seahake Mod 5 for export). Plans also exist for a full-length Autonomous Underwater Vehicle version with a single battery (range up to 54nm [100km]) for use as an exercise target, for minefield reconnaissance and neutralisation using the Seafox system.
From Jane’s.
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