The Finnish Navy conducted acceptance firings with the Torped 47 (TP47) Lightweight Anti-submarine Torpedo in the Archipelago Sea on 31 October. Hamina-class fast attack craft PGG Pori and PGG Hamina conducted the first firings with the new torpedo model. It is designed and manufactured by Saab Dynamics as a replacement for the Torped 45. The TP47 and TP45 torpedoes are the same size, which enables the use of the M/20 torpedo launchers, which were installed into the Hamina-class missile boats in conjunction with their overhaul, with both torpedo models. The torpedo system was installed into the Hamina-class missile craft as part of the ongoing overhaul. It is designed to operate in the Baltic Sea’s archipelago circumstances and shallow waters.
The Torped 47 or SLWT (Saab’s Lightweight Torpedo) is a new lightweight torpedo intended for ASW and surface targets, providing multiple-target active/passive homing combined with wire guidance. The torpedo is designed for the Swedish Navy and it will be equipped with both a passive and an active homing device and use wire communication like the Torped 45, using a galvanic wire (later also an optical wire). The Torpedo 47 is the fifth generation light torpedo developed in Sweden and replaces the Torpedo 45 currently in service. The new torpedo builds on the torpedo systems that have been developed in Sweden since the 1960s, and it has been possible to benefit from the knowledge and experience available in both the development and deployment of these systems.
Torped 47 can be launched from a variety of platforms including stationary, surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and airplanes like Saab Swordfish MPA. It is specifically designed to operate against littoral submarine targets and surface vessels. It is controlled using wire guidance and has a hydro-acoustic homing system for the final phase. The upgrade rendered the Torped 47 almost soundless and faster than its predecessor, easier to control and more advanced in terms of homing in on predetermined target. The Torped 47 is intended specifically for anti-submarine operations, but it is effective also against surface vessels. The torpedo is capable of seeking and homing in on underwater targets autonomously changing its depth, speed and direction.
The Hamina-class missile boat is a class of fast attack craft of the Finnish Navy. They are classified as “missile fast attack craft” or ohjusvene, literally “missile boat” in Finnish. The Hamina FACs are based at Upinniemi, and form the 7th Surface Warfare Squadron, part of the Finnish Coastal Fleet, together with the minelayers MLC Hämeenmaa, Porkkala and Pyhäranta. In early 2018, Finland announced the mid-life upgrade program, which will equip all four boats in the class with new Swedish lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedoes in the years 2023?2025 and extend the life of the boats to 2035. The Hamina class’ equipped with four RBS-15 Mk.3 anti-ship missiles, Bofors 57 mm gun, Umkhonto-IR surface-to-air missiles, MASS decoy system and two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns.
