Video: Inside Naval Group's Underwater Weapons Facility
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 An actual F21 heavyweight torpedo used by Naval Group for sea trials (foreground) |
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F21 heavyweight torpedo
The F21 torpedo (Artemis) is the only new heavy torpedo development in the world. Its characteristics are significantly superior to all other heavy torpedoes currently in service. Beyond its exceptional performance levels, its on-board tactical intelligence makes this torpedo a precursor for what tomorrow’s underwater drones could be. We learned during our tour that the torpedo has now entered mass production. It will gradually equip all French submarines, starting from 2018. The contract includes the development and delivery of about one hundred F21 torpedoes and their integration into French submarines (all six Barracuda-class SSN, some of the Rubis-class SSN, all four Le Triomphant-class SSBN and the future 3rd generation SSBNs). The Brazilian Navy has also selected the F21 to equip its submarines. |
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Our video on Naval Group's underwater weapons facility in St Tropez
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The F21 heavy torpedo was designed to neutralise enemy vessels and submarines. Capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots, with a range of over 50 Km and an autonomy of about 1 hour, the F21 is foreseen for operation not only in deep waters but above all in coastal areas with high levels of noise and dense shipping. Thanks to its a significant computing power that allows for exceptional real-time processing capacities, the F21 torpedo benefits from an advanced mission system and extended autonomy. These technical characteristics considerably widen its possibilities for tactical use with an unequaled target discrimination capacity, including in very challenging environments.
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 The MU90 lighweight torpedo is fitted with a penetrating warhead (by Nexter Systems) capable of piercing through several layers of reinforced hulls. |
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MU90 lightweight torpedo
MU90 is the latest generation light weight torpedo that can be deployed from any naval or air platform. The MU90 is able to counter any kind of conventional or nuclear submarine. Produced in more than 1000 units, the MU90 is arming the French, Italian, German, Danish Polish and Australian navies. Designed and built with the most advanced technology, it is capable to counter any type of nuclear or conventional submarine even acoustically coated, deep diving, fast evasive, deploying anti-torpedo effectors or bottomed in littoral areas. The MU90 design offers a top speed of over 55 knots, sophisticated target tracking and state-of-the-art stealth. |
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 D19 UUV |
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D19 UUV
D19 is Naval Group's first autonomous underwater military drone designed to equip surface vessels and submarines. Capitalizing on its know-how in the area of torpedoes and mobile underwater targets, Naval Group designed the D19 to accomplish a wide range of missions, including ISR, electronic warfare, training etc. Equipped with modular payload at the front end, which can be easily switched thanks to a plug-and-play system, D19 can fulfill a wide variety of missions: - identification, surveillance, reconnaissance, - electronic warfare, - anti-submarine warfare, - underwater mobile target, - mine countermeasures, - rapid environmental assessment, - act as a smart underwater mine Already sea proven for different missions thanks to the joint effort of Naval Group and French Navy, the D19 combines long endurance and intelligence to offer a wide range of operational employment. It can be launched by submarine, vessel or from the shore. Its payload is modular according to the mission. The D19 UUV is built on a F21 torpedo base. This way, Naval Group takes advantage of its experience accumulated with the development of this torpedo. The D19 is propelled by a Lithium-ion energy section. |
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 CANTO anti-torpedo countermeasure |
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CANTO anti-torpedo decoy
CANTO represents a breakthrough in the field of torpedo defence. It is designed to protect any platform, submarine or surface, against the most advanced torpedoes and the previous generation of torpedoes as well. CANTO is ordered by the French Navy to protect its SSN and SSBN and by the Brazilian Navy to protect the new SSK fleet. Unlike the classical decoys aiming at seducing the attacking torpedo by recognizing its acoustic signal and reproducing one false target, CANTO is based on dilution/confusion principle. CANTO countermeasure acts completely independently of the torpedo threats thus offering a protection against numerous simultaneous torpedo attacks even in case of unknown torpedo threats. |
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 CANTO tri-tube launcher for Brazil's future Scorpene-class SSK (SBR program) |
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