Torpedo overview

By Darryl Cross

AN AIR Force officer has taken part in a series of courses on the capabilities of the MU90 Lightweight Torpedo.

Flight Lieutenant Nigel Eves received training about the introduction into the ADF of the torpedo, which will be phased into the Air Force on completion of the AP-3C platform upgrade.

Four instructors, all experts in their field, conducted the training.

All students were impressed with the ADF’s emergent capability, the most sophisticated and capable weapon of its type in the world.

The MU90 is capable of providing unprecedented search, detection and kill capability for AP-3C anti-submarine operations. A key point for the Air Force is the far longer range of engagement possible with the MU90 electric motor to that of the thermal motors used in previous generation torpedoes. This will allow stand-off attack profiles for increased AP-3C mission safety.

The Project Djimindi Alliance, comprising the Commonwealth, Thales Underwater Systems and Eurotorp, ran the courses. This Alliance is the first of its type for Defence procurement and is responsible for all aspects of the acquisition of the MU90.

Djimindi is an Aboriginal word from the Yolgnu tribe meaning “A fishing spear to kill fish in shallow water”.

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