DCNS Demos Torpedo Defence Solution

DCNS, Chemring Countermeasures and Terma successfully conducted joint operational trials of their Torpedo Defence Solution on May 12.

This solution integrates Terma’s C-Guard Decoy Launching System with DCNS’s CANTO Anti-Torpedo Decoy and the Chemring Launch Module which, combined, is designated NATO standard CANTO 130mm.

The main purpose of the trials was to confirm the live operation of the CANTO 130mm decoy in its purpose to lure incoming torpedoes from their original target; the ship launching the decoy. Additionally, the trials aimed to prove the performance of the Chemring launch module and the Terma C-Guard ability to launch the decoy.

Once the CANTO 130mm decoy is launched from C-Guard and enters the water, it starts generating numerous acoustic signals which mask the noise from the ship and generate copious false targets, hence diluting/confusing the homing ability of the incoming torpedo. By deploying CANTO decoys correctly with associated evasive maneuvers, the ship is able to steer away from the torpedo target zone to safety while the torpedo, homing on the false targets presented by the decoy, eventually dissipates all its energy or fuel.

The trials, facilitated by The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) and The Danish Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), were performed from the Danish Frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt off the coast of Northern Zealand, Denmark.

According to René d’Ambrières, DCNS Underwater Weapons Business Unit Director, the trial results came out very successful: “All expectations set before the trials were fulfilled and DCNS, Chemring and Terma are all very satisfied to confirm their capacity to develop cutting-edge anti-torpedo warfare capabilities, including the design and production of the countermeasure, sea-proven on board naval platforms, which is a real asset in the naval market worldwide.”

As a result of the successful trial, C-Guard is now the first and currently the only Decoy Launching System fully integrated with the CANTO 130mm anti-torpedo functionality hence fully qualified to deploy CANTO 130mm decoys.

As a consequence of the successful trials, Terma Commercial Product Manager Simon Jensen says: “The future perspective for Terma and DCNS is to strengthen the joint venture of C-Guard and CANTO 130mm and promote a state-of-the-art torpedo defence solution for the present and emerging requirements for torpedo self-protection systems for naval units across the world”.