TDW to deliver Spearfish blast warhead

BAE Systems has awarded a contract to TDW for the qualification and delivery of the insensitive munition (IM) blast warhead that will be used in the upgrade of the Royal Navy’s heavyweight Spearfish torpedo.

Tests to prepare and qualify the upgraded Spearfish torpedo, including the warhead, will be conducted over next five years. The final warhead demonstration phase will be completed by the company by 2018, with TDW scheduled to start supply of the warhead in 2019.

Blast warheads generate a shock wave to combat both surface and underwater threats. TDW has been involved in the design and testing of the warhead in the initial phases of development. The tests conducted by the company on the warhead include IM threat tests to demonstrate insensitivity, and underwater trials to demonstrate performance.

Ulrich Störchle, managing director, TDW, said: ‘The conclusion of Demonstration Phase 1 for the Spearfish upgrade IM warhead on time, cost and quality along with the proven collaboration between BAE Systems Maritime Services and TDW laid the foundation for this success. This order shows that we have mastered the complete range of warhead systems up to and including the heavyweight torpedo. This insensitive blast warhead will improve the safety and effectiveness of this torpedo significantly.’ 

Les Gregory, product and training services director, BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: ‘TDW play a vital role in the Spearfish upgrade programme by providing expertise and leadership in the development of the warhead. To date the blast warhead has proved its value in several tests and the cooperation between BAE Systems and TDW has been exemplary.’