PARIS - The Artemis program aims to develop a new-generation heavy torpedo to equip French navy submarines. The program is presented at the 2014 Euronaval shows in Paris.
From 2016, the ten nuclear-powered submarines operated by the French Navy (six attack and four missile boats) will begin to be equipped with the new F21 heavyweight torpedo. F21 was developed as part of Artemis weapons program.
The DGA has awarded DCNS contracts to design and produce this torpedo, which is designed to destroy or neutralize surface vessels, as well as submarines. "The F21 torpedo is the latest heavyweight torpedo in the world, and probably one of the most successful since it integrates the most advanced technologies," explains Jean-Marc Daubin, Artemis program manager.
The F21 heavyweight torpedo will replace the earlier F17 torpedo currently in service. In appearance, the two weapons are identical; a 6-meter long cylinder with a diameter of 533 mm (21 inches) and two sets of propellers. Inside, everything is different.
The F21 is wire-guided, that is to say it stays connected to the submarine by an optical fiber (the previous version used copper wire). This greatly increases the amount of information that can be exchanged between the two. This direct link also greatly facilitates operation and allows the submarine to discreetly monitor the torpedo until the final attack phase.
The F21 can also operate without wire guidance, as its acoustic homing system provides an excellent capability to detect and track targets autonomously. In addition, the torpedo has a very powerful electric battery that allows speeds of over 50 knots (over 90 km / h) and a range of more than 50 nautical miles.
The Artemis program started in 2008 and the first delivery of production torpedoes is scheduled for 2016. "Since the spring of 2013, we have been testing a prototype in the Mediterranean Sea. To date, we have successfully conducted a dozen firings. Overall, the program currently calls for the delivery of 93 F21 torpedoes to be delivered beginning in 2016," says Jean-Marc Daubin.
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