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Type 97


97式短魚雷


Overview


Type 97 lightweight torpedo

Training model of a Type 97 lightweight torpedo displayed on an ammunition handling trolley.
Source: Unknown author - © CC BY 3.0

Origin
Japan
Type
Lightweight torpedo
Entered service
1997
Status
In service
Development
1985 - 1996
Developer
Japan - Technical Research and Development Institute
Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Production
1997 - present
Producer
Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Number produced
Several hundred (estimate)
Designations
97式短魚雷 / 97 Shiki Tan Gyorai
G-RX4 (development project)
Notable users
Japan - JMSDF

Description


Introduction

The Type 97 is a modern era lightweight torpedo of Japanese origin. It was developed as successor the American Mk 46 torpedo in Japanese service. The Type 97 is optimized to engage deep diving submarines in open water.

Design

The Type 97 is a lightweight torpedo that is optimized for use in deep oceans. This requires speed and depth, which are provided by a wet heater engine using Otto fuel II. This powers a pump jet propulsor.

Guidance

The Type 97 uses passive and active acoustic homing. It uses a wide frequency sensor and digital processing. Reportedly ECCM capabilities are much improved over older models.

Firepower

The Type 97 uses a shaped charge warhead for increased performance against double hull submarines. Range, speed and depth have not been officially published. Estimates are a range of 15 km and operational depth up to 600 m.

Users

The Type 97 has been acquired in quantity by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for use on surface vessels, helicopters, aircraft and anti-submarine rocket. It is supplemented by the Type 12, a newer lightweight torpedo that is optimized for use in shallow waters.

Details


Facts Type 97
General
Origin
Japan
Type
Lightweight torpedo
Launch platform
Surface ships, ASW aircraft, ASW helicopters, ASW rocket
Target platform
Submarines
Dimensions
Diameter
324 mm
Length
2.832 m
Weight
320 kg
Guidance
Type
Passive/active accoustic homing
Wide frequency sonar with digital processing
Warhead
Type
Shaped charge warhead for use against double hull submarine
Propulsion
Engine
Closed cycle steam turbine
Power supply
Otto fuel II
Propulsion
Pumpjet propulsor
Range
About 15 km reported
Depth
Possibly up to 600 m

Platforms


Type 07

The Type 97 can be used as the lethal payload carried by the Type 07 vertically launched anti-submarine rocket.

Hyuga class

Japanese class of helicopter carrier, 2 ships in class. Launched from 2x3 torpedo tubes.

Related articles


Type 12

The Type 12 lightweight torpedo supplements the Type 97. Unlike the Type 97 the Type 12 is optimized for use in shallow water.

Mk 46

The Type 97 was developed as successor to the American Mk 46 torpedo in Japanese service.

Mk 50

The Type 97 can be seen as the counterpart to the American Mk 50 high performance lightweight torpedo.