Graphic from Leonardo
Naval News reports on a virtual conference expo showcasing five systems presented by Leonardo aimed at Middle Eastern clientele.
There is information about an anti-torpedo defense system, the 5″/64 gun, the familiar 76mm/62 gun, and the Marlin 40mm gun systems and their associated ammunitions and support systems. But the real surprise was a mini-torpedo, called Black Scorpion.
Graphic from Leonardo
I have a hard time figuring what will be done with this mini(micro)-torpedo. They say it will work from “Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs), Patrol Boats, Fast Attack Crafts, helicopter/drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Unmanned Underwater Vessels (UUVs).”
Launchers are illustrated for submarines, fast inshore attack craft, and helicopters and drones.
There are a lot of unexplained parameters for this weapon. Presumably it can operate at depth some depth if it is to be launched from a submarine but there is specific reference to ASW in the littoral, so it might be relatively shallow. What is its range and speed? Less than 44 inches long and with an all up weight of less than 44 pounds, it is unlikely the warhead is much larger than ten pounds. It unlikely to sink anything of more than about 100 tons, but it might be enough to disable the rudder or propeller on even a large ship. There are warnings in the text not to expect too much.
“The Leonardo conference host presenter stressed that this is a miniature lightweight torpedo and performs as such. Thus, the user should not expect the range, performance, and characteristics of a comparable lightweight, medium, or heavyweight torpedo…”
I sure would like to see some testing of this and the Grumman Common Very Light Weight Torpedo which is about five times larger. One of them might be the ship stopper the Coast Guard needs.
Just looking at the Marlin 40 on YouTube! It’s a Revolver Cannon using CTA (Cased Telescoped Ammunition), and not a “Bofors” type and there’s no below deck magazine…
I did a post on an earlier 40mm that used this ammunition here: https://chuckhillscgblog.net/2016/10/21/new-40-mm-gun/
They did say the Marlin does not require deck penetration, but this sounds like a feed from below deck is optional. “Additional rounds outside the turret can be housed if a magazine penetrates the deck and into the hull and such an under-deck magazine would allow for the loading and unloading of extra 40mm rounds.”
This is the best description I have found on the Marlin40. https://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/20142/5334301/BROCHURE_2016_OTO+Marlin+40+HQ+%28mm08749%29.pdf?t=1551687325708
@Secundius, I think the Marlin 40 is another version of the Bofors 40mm/70 rather than the gun that uses Cased Telescoped Ammunition. The only one I know of is a Thales system. Do you have a link?
1. Marlin 40 with Gun Turret! In first video you can clearly see Ammunition Feed System with Ammunition within the feed system. Ammunition is too small to be Bofors Rounds…
( https://youtu.be/UaEpl1gzl9k )
2. Marlin 40 without Gun Turret
( https://youtu.be/xxYzQOkThoQ )
@Secundius, Thanks, that does confirm that BAE maker of the Marlin 40 makes a 40mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition. Knew the British were fielding a 40mm CTA gun on their Warrior armored vehicle.
The first video did not work for me (“unavailable”)
Still have not seen anything that confirms that the Leonardo Marlin mount used the 40mm CTA system?
Maybe the baby torpedo is for small UUV
Or retrofitting the Mk.VI PB…
to sink them
The Iranians do have a large number of midget submarines. Perhaps the idea is to put the mini-torpedo on almost everything and if you think you see a periscope launch one in that direction.
The “Black Scorpion” Mini Torpedo! Was and/or is it intended to replace Helicopter or Aircraft Sonobuoy’s in their launchers for rapid deployment? Size and weight seem to suggest yes, given that both the Black Scorpion and Sonobuoy’s are approximately the same size…
@Secundius, That is one of the launchers pictured.
Ahhh, what launcher pictured? If there’s a launcher pictured for the Black Scorpion, I’m not seeing it…
in the original Naval News post:
those torpedos must be to sink in shallow waters small UUV and mini submarines
The Royal Australian Navy new Arafura Class OPV are to be equipped with Leonardo’s OTO Marlin 40.’s
@Alan, I have not seen anything on that. I had assumed it would be the 40mm/70 Mk4.
Yes, pictures of design shows what looks like the M4 but in researching the OPV I found these articles plus few others. The first article fm 10-2018 states that the Marlin 40mm was the preferred bidder for arming the new OPVs with the shipbuilder engaging in negotation and confident of a sign contract by year end. Article 2 date 4-2020 fm a Australian Defence Reporter apprears to confirms that the Marlin 40mm are to be installed on the Arafura Class.
Leonardo’s Oto Marlin 40 Selected for Australian Project SEA 1180 Phase 1 OPVs
Senin, 29 Oktober 2018 Defence, News, Politic, War
29 Oktober 2018
The Australian arm of German shipbuilder Lürssen has selected Leonardo’s Oto Marlin 40 mm gun mount to equip the offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the Project SEA 1180 Phase 1.
“Leonardo has been selected as preferred bidder for arming the new OPVs with our Oto Marlin 40 mm gun system. We are currently engaged in negotiations, being confident to sign a contract by year end,” Marco Buratti, Leonardo’s international marketing and strategic campaigns director, told Jane’s during the Euronaval 2018 exhibition in Paris.
and
Page 20 ARAFURA CLASS OPV WEAPONS AND
SENSORS
Thanks Alan. Good to see this weapon seeing greater acceptance.
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