The K745 Blue Shark (Korean청상어; RRCheong-sang-eo) is a light anti-submarine torpedo developed for the Republic of Korea Navy in 2004.[1]

K745 Blue Shark
K745 청상어 경어뢰
A scale model of a Blue Shark lightweight torpedo
TypeLightweight torpedo
Place of originSouth Korea
Service history
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerAgency for Defense Development
Designed1995
ManufacturerLIG Nex1
Produced2005-
Specifications
Mass280 kg
Length2.7 m
Width0.32 m

Operational
range
19 km
Maximum speed 45+ knots (83+ km/h)
Guidance
system
Acoustic
Launch
platform
Vessel / aircraft / helicopter

Development edit

The Blue Shark torpedo can be deployed from surface ships, ASW helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. Production cost for each torpedo is at about 1,000,000,000.[2]

Blue Shark torpedoes are fitted to the Incheon class frigate (FFX).[3] It is exported to the Philippines as part of the acquisition process for the Jose Rizal-class Frigates.[4]

Variants edit

An improved variant, the lightweight torpedo-2 is being developed by LIG Nex1. New capabilities include longer range and lesser vulnerability to decoys.[5] The research and development program is expected to be complete in 2029.[6]

Operators edit

See also edit

Weapons of comparable role, performance and era edit

References edit

  1. ^ "S.Korea deploys 4 "submarine killer" helicopters against N.Korea - NK News - North Korea News". NK News. 1 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  2. ^ "With one wrong swipe, South Korea loses $5M worth of weapons". 5 January 2017.
  3. ^ "Incheon Class Frigates / Future Frigate Experimental (FFX), South Korea". Archived from the original on 2017-07-24. Retrieved 2017-05-10.
  4. ^ "Manila selects torpedo, countermeasures suppliers for PN's José Rizal-class frigates". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  5. ^ Lee, Daehan (5 April 2022). "S.Korea Selects LIG Nex1 To Improve Blue Shark Torpedo". Naval News. Archived from the original on 11 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  6. ^ "LIG Nex1 to develop next-generation variant of Blue Shark torpedo". Janes. 5 April 2022. Archived from the original on 11 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  7. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (18 September 2020). "Anti-sub helicopters' torpedoes, missiles now in PH: Navy chief". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 31 May 2023.

External links edit