Home Navy Shipboard Weapons 53-65KE Torpedo

53-65KE ANTI-SHIP TORPEDO

The PLA Navy received an unknown number of the Russian 53-65KE wave-homing anti-ship torpedo along with its purchase of four Kilo class submarines in the 1990s. More torpedoes may have been ordered since then to arm the additional eight Kilo class submarines ordered in 2002. A local production of the torpedo under license in China may have been discussed.

PROGRAMME

The 53-65 is a heavy gas-turbine propulsion, wave-homing anti-ship torpedo originally developed in 1965. The late 1960s witnessed the introduction of an oxygen version 53-65K which was extensively employed by the Soviet Navy. The 53-65KE is the improved export variant which has been sold to many countries. The PLA Navy ordered some unknown number of the 53-65KE and TEST-71 torpedoes in the late 1990s to arms its four Kilo class diesel-electric submarines. Unconfirmed reports suggested that China may seek to produce the torpedo locally under license, but it is also possible that China is developing its own wake-homing torpedo based on the 53-65KE technology.

DESIGN

The 53-65KE is designed to engage surface ships and can be launched from submarines and surface combatants. The torpedo is fitted with a unique wave-homing system, which enables the torpedo to chase the tail marks of surface ships. This provides the torpedo with very high jamming immunity to conventional means of torpedo-defence countermeasures. The torpedo’s course, depth, and roll control system provides for two-plane manoeuvring of the torpedo and steers it into the proximity fuse actuation zone or ensures a direct hit on the target. Its turbine-type thermal propulsion system ensures a considerable operating range and running speed. The 53-65KE is reliable and easy to operate, requiring no maintenance even when stored in torpedo tubes, on carrier racks, or in arsenals for a long time.

SPECIFICATIONS

Calibre: 533mm
Length: 7,945mm
Weight: 2,100kg
Warhead: 300kg
Propellant: Kerosene-Oxygen turbine
Speed: 45kt
Range: 18km
Guidance: Wave-homing

This page was last updated 26 December 05