MU90 torpedo the most sophisticated of its type

By Darryl Cross

L to R - Pierre Gaite (ET), James Trehearn (RAN), Alan Andrews (TUS/PDA), Nigel Eves (RAAF), Mark Joseph (Comm), Benton Pulleine (RAN), Michel Le Dard (ET), Brad Foster (RAN) and Darryl Cross (TUS/PDA).

A series of courses were recently attended by RAN personnel on the introduction into the ADF of the MU90 IMPACT Lightweight Torpedo.

They were run by the Project Djimindi Alliance (PDA) comprising the Commonwealth, Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) and Eurotorp (ET).

The alliance is the first of its type for Defence procurement and is responsible for all aspects of the acquisition of the MU90. The word ‘Djimindi’ is an aboriginal word meaning “a fishing spear to kill fish in shallow water”.

Four instructors conducted the three weeks of intensive training. The first week was an overview of the MU90 torpedo and all students were impressed with what is the most sophisticated and capable weapon of its type in the World.

Its quiet electric propulsion and advanced Australian manufactured acoustic capability, which will provide the RAN with a long-range capability for submarine engagement unmatched by any other lightweight torpedo, were highlights of the course.

The next two weeks covered comprehensive operator and maintainer training on the Shipborne Torpedo System (STS) for the ship’s company of HMAS Parramtta (CMDR Mike Noonan) and RAN Training Development personnel.

Students’ feedback indicated confidence in both the operation and maintenance of the system.

Mark Joseph, the Course Implementation Officer Power/Weapons at HMAS Cerberus, said that in 30 years he had not seen better training support in terms of equipment or the quality of training material supplied.

Parramatta is the first ship to be fitted with the dual capable MU 90/MK 46 STS equipment and is scheduled to conduct Sea Acceptance Trials this month for the torpedoes.

The RAN’s FFGs and ASW helicopters and the RAAF’s AP-3C (Orion) aircraft will also receive this advanced weapon capability shortly. sophisticated of its type.

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