There are a couple of projects going. Several Nimitz Class CVNs have Mk-46 Mod-?? lightweight torpedo. The Mk-54 is being a replacement for the Mk-46 in that role.
(There is mention of it in Janes Book of Ships annual issue for the years in the mid-1990s. Look up USS Nimitz and is list under weapons.)
The University of Pennsylvania in one of their research facilities has developed a torpedo interceptor! At six inches in diameter it can fit into the tubes to launch noise makers to distract incomming torpedos.
Russia has a couple of projects going on this topic. Limited sucess like the Mk-46. Whichever country developes an 'effective' anti-torpedo system, will have a significant advantage over other navies. It will be similar to the USAF and its capabilities when stealth was introduced. It had the ability to attack very important targets with little risk of interception.
An anti-torpedo system means it will more difficult to kill a submarine, carriers and other high priority targets.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
the US has some sort of sonic-acustic weapon (like that instrument that breaks up kidney stones
|
Yes, but most don't consider it to be realistic because of the animal rights movement! The US Navy has trouble using it medium and low frequency sonars currently because of what the sound waves do to the creatures that live in the oceans.
Adrian