The French Navy live tests its new F21 torpedo sinking former patrol vessel
Developed since 2008 by Naval Group, in cooperation with Thales and Atlas Elektronik within the “Future Torpille Lourde” (FTL) heavy torpedo programme, the F21 “Artemis” will equip Rubis- and Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines, as well ballistic missile submarines
On 14 December 2024, the French Navy successfully conducted a live-fire test of the F21 heavyweight torpedo against the decommissioned patrol vessel “Premier-Maître L’Her” in the Atlantic Ocean. This full-scale trial, carried out by a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), aimed to evaluate the capabilities of this new generation weapon under near-realistic condition.
The 533 mm heavyweight F21 torpedo is around 6 meters long and has a mass of 1,300 kg. It can reach a target at a range of more than 50 km or one hour endurance, with a top speed of over 50 knots and can swim at depths between 15 and 600 meters.
Compared to its predecessor, the DCTN F17, the F21 offers an increased level of discretion thanks to its two multi-blade counter-rotating propellers, which significantly reduce the acoustic signature. Power is provided by aluminium-silver oxide batteries, capable to discharge at a low power density during the discreet approach phase, switching to high power, one order of magnitude higher, to reach maximum speed during the final attack phase.
The adoption of the latest high-power computers ensures a very high real-time processing capability, allowing to run the latest software and algorithms which give the F21 increased autonomy compared to the F17, and quite probably ensuring some growth potential for future updates.
The torpedo is linked to the submarine by fiberoptic a cable that allows comparing the scenarios obtained by the submarine sensors and by the torpedo full digital sensors suite fitted in the front section, the mission system suggesting the optimal solution. It allows the torpedo to navigate more discreetly, adapting to environmental conditions and avoiding areas that could give out its presence. This increases its chances of success during missions in complex environments, particularly in coastal areas. The mission system also ensures a considerable reduction of the operator’s workload. Should the cable be severed, the torpedo is capable to conduct the mission in full autonomy.
The F21 “Artemis” is effective against underwater and surface threats and is suitable for operations in blue as well as in brown waters. Its insensitive warhead contains 200 kg of explosive and is fitted with an all-electric proximity fuse.
The test carried out on December 14th demonstrated the F21effectiveness in real conditions. The firing was saw the use of a real combat torpedo, underlining the importance of this test for the French Navy. The targeted patrol boat was cut in two before sinking, confirming the destructive power of this new torpedo, capable of facing current and future threats in a tense international context.
Naval Groups plans to produce over 100 F21 to be delivered to the Marine Nationale as well as to the Brazilian Navy, the latter to employ them on board its Scorpène-class submarines manufactured and assembled by Itaguaí Construções Navais at the Itaguaí shipyard following a contract with Naval Group that included a full transfer of technology package. A first batch of F21 torpedoes was delivered to the French Navy in 2019 and further deliveres are ongoing.
Photo courtesy Marine Nationale; pictorials courtesy Naval Group
