Chinese Defence Today - Yu-1 Anti-Ship Torpedo

The Yu-1 is China’s first indigenously made torpedo. A Chinese copy of the Soviet 53-51 non-homing torpedo, the Yu-1 is designed to be launched from Type 033 (Romeo class) submarine and Type 25 (Huchuan class) torpedo fast attack craft (FAC). The torpedo is obsolete and has been replaced by the more capable indigenous and imported designs. The improved Yu-1A uses passive acoustic-homing and is still in service.

Under the 1950 Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance between China and Soviet Union, Moscow agreed to help the newly established People’s Republic of China (PRC) to build a modern military and defence industry. As part of the agreement, the Soviet Union transferred its torpedo technologies and some samples to China for reverse-engineering and licensed production. The indigenous torpedo development was carried out by Xi’an-based 507 Institute (now Xi’an Precision Machinery Institute).

Assessment between different Soviet torpedo designs led to the decision to develop a kerosene-air wet heater propulsion, non-homing torpedo on the basis of the Soviet 53-51 torpedo. Experienced technicians and engineers were recruited from across the country to join the torpedo development team. The first torpedo was finished in March 1966, but various design flaws were identified in the following test launch. A joint development team with engineers from the PLA Navy, a number of factories and research institutes was formed to solve these problems. After extensive tests which lasted for 18 months, the development was successful in 1971. The torpedo received its design certificate in March 1971 and entered operational service shortly after.

The Yu-1 is a heavyweight, non-homing, wet heater propulsion torpedo designed to engage surface ships. The torpedo is powered by a kerosene-air wet heater propulsion, giving a maximum speed of 50kt. The torpedo has a range of 9km and is armed with a 400kg warhead. An improved variant Yu-1A is fitted with passive acoustic-homing.

Calibre: 533mm
Length: 7,800mm
Weight: N/A
Warhead: 400kg
Propellant: Electric (silver-zinc)
Speed: 50kt
Range: 9km
Guidance: Passive acoustic homing (Yu-1A)