The Anti-Torpedo Torpedo developed in the ATTDS program being fired from a launcher on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 2019. U.S. Navy photo.
“A program in development by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is rapidly moving forward into the fleet to provide much deeper magazine depth for torpedoes on Virginia-class SSNs. The effort is testing and fielding multi-packed 6.75-inch Mark 58 Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) torpedoes or 3-inch UAVs in a single 21-inch torpedo tube.
“Known as the Multi-Vehicle Torpedo Tube Defense System (MVTTDS) to ONR, the Revolver Multi-Payload (Revolver MP) program is designed to provide Virginia-class SSNs with additional magazine depth, responding to an urgent operational need laid out by U.S. Indo Pacific Command and U.S. Strategic Command. Revolver MP will deliver the capability to salvo a dozen or more torpedoes against submarines or surface ships.”
The Coast Guard needs to have access to anti-surface torpedoes, so that cutters have the ability to forcibly stop any vessel regardless of size. That is a required capability implicit in Coast Guard missions.
This post certainly answers a question posed in my last post on this weapon. The weapon will also work against surface ships.
The Revolver approach described, suggests that 21 inch (533mm) torpedo tubes may follow the example of the Mk 41 VLS, becoming a launcher for all sorts of weapons and perhaps unmanned systems of various types “including larger diameter UAVs and UUVs.” This may prompt the reintroduction of 21″ torpedo tubes on surface vessels, including perhaps cutters. Given the length of the Mk58, 21″ torpedo tubes that are shorter than those on current submarine might become an option.
We might also see a mini-Revolver used in 12.75″ (324mm) surface vessel torpedo tubes. There should be room for three Mk58 torpedoes in each 12.75″ torpedo tube.
Will it be on time?
If, as the quote above seems to suggest, the weapon is the result of an urgent request to allow simultaneous engagement of a large number of targets (say a Chinese Taiwan invasion fleet), can we wait until 2030, when it can also be used as an anti-torpedo torpedo? There have been lots of suggestions we may see a Chinese attempt to take Taiwan as early as 2027.
The post goes on to state that “Technology Insertion 1” should provide an “Early Operational Capability” (EOC) for ASW within two years “demonstrating the system in an operationally relevant environment by FY2026.” Presumably an anti-surface capability would be included. (EOC is new to me. We usually see reference to IOC, Initial Operational Capability.) That sounds like production in quantity is still years away.
Seems there might be an urgent need for a simplified anti-surface version that should be easier to develop and cheaper and faster to produce.
Other Torpedoes:
The Navy seems to be showing a renewed interest in torpedoes as anti-surface weapons. Earlier we had a report the “Navy Wants A Cheap Heavy Torpedo That Can Be Stockpiled Fast.” and Anduril is offering UUVs that launch from torpedo tubes and look an awful lot like torpedoes.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
Well . . . seeing most everything I want to see except . . . a booster with guidance for VLS launch, and an augmented lift with guidance package for greater gliding range for parachute entry into the water. We can dense pack four into on Mk41 VLS cell keeping our ASW engagement numbers up with 16 weapons in one 4-cell half module.
It occurred to me, the prospect of the Mk58 used as VLS ASROC payload might be the reason we are not seeing the augmented lift system applied to the Mk54s on VLS ASROC.
Yeah, but this limbo has existed now for at least 15 years. Its just too hard to get new systems do to our massive technical debt across the military.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, we have been coasting. There was no sense of urgency. That is changing.
We can only hope. With this NAVSEA bunch I am not going to hold my breath. It actually makes too much sense so it probably will not happen.
I used to be different, but being positive about anything with this [so called] leadership model we have had for over 20 years is just beyond me. There is no explanation save they are a bunch of selfish….
Unrelated, but some good news about the Coast Guard- google:
petty officer scott ruskin 26yo saves 165 people
Pretty impressive number.
Andrew
I remember a prototype RAM launcher designed by Denmark? 10 round launcher. Mk58 with a rocket motor would give even small ships an ASROC capability without deck penetration problems.
I presume you are not suggesting that these be launched from RAM launchers, but rather that something similar could launch a rocket boosted Mk58.
The Mk58 is only a little larger than the RAM missile, so that is probably true.
That could also possibly extend its range against surface targets