I did did a post about the testing of SAAB’s torped 47 from their small high speed Combat Boat 90 less than a week ago, but the video above from Naval News, includes some additional information about the testing and shows the torpedo launched from the smallest and simplest surface craft I have ever seen launch a torpedo, an unmanned outboard motorboat.

I am interested in this type of weapon because I believe it is the cheapest and easiest way for a patrol craft to forcibly stop a medium to large vessel regardless of size. It would probably sink any vessel under 1,000 tons and seriously damage any vessel up to about 10,000 tons.

Given that this system is wire guided and provides sensor information back to the operator, it might be better, if it were thought of as one way suicide unmanned underwater vehicle. In a pinch, I wonder if it might be used to clear mines.

Reportedly the Ukrainians have this weapon along with the CB90. With a max speed of 40 knots and a range of 12 miles, I’m sure they will find a use for it.