Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT)

From Astra Kosh, the AlphaDefense encyclopedia · Category: Naval Systems

The Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) is a DRDO-developed, submarine-launched heavyweight torpedo designed to give Indian Navy submarines a stealthy, electric-propulsion anti-submarine and anti-ship weapon capable of engaging quiet, modern submarines in both deep-ocean and shallow littoral waters.[1]

Design

EHWT uses an electric propulsion system rather than a thermal/combustion engine, substantially reducing its acoustic signature relative to legacy heavyweight torpedoes — an important advantage in submarine-versus-submarine engagements where acoustic stealth is critical to avoiding counter-detection. The torpedo is specifically tailored for submarine deployment, targeting quiet adversary submarines that are increasingly difficult for older torpedo designs to counter.[1]

Performance

EHWT offers an operational range of approximately 40 km at a speed of around 40 knots, and can operate at depths of up to 600 m — figures that place it competitively alongside contemporary foreign heavyweight torpedo designs while emphasising the acoustic-stealth benefit of its electric propulsion.[1]

Specifications

Type Submarine-launched electric heavyweight torpedo
Developer DRDO
Propulsion Electric (low acoustic signature)
Range ~40 km
Speed ~40 knots
Max operating depth 600 m
Role Anti-submarine warfare (shallow and deep water)
Launch platform Submarines

Sources

  1. Defence.in / The Defense News, “DRDO’s New Submarine-Launched Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT).”