Reply #101: Time for the math [View All]

[FogerRox]

The Russians built this weapon, no? At least were the first to do so. Or so its claimed....

The reported range of the US Mark-48 torpedo according to the fas.org website is 40,000 yards, with a reported speed of 40-50 knots. The reported range of the BA-111 Shkval is 7,500 yards, with a reported speed of 200 knots. Shkval has 4-5 times the speed of the Mk48, and the Mk48 has a little over 5 times the range. If both weapons are fired at their operational range, they will impact the opposing targets at the same time. Clearly, this does not make the Shkval a groundshakingly superior weapon. Why would Russia design a weapon that is a suicide machine in the midst of the Cold War, they couldnt have afforded to lose subs, and is a complete contradiction of the Russian Cold War tactical and strategic doctrines.

No, all this ever was is a research program. It still is.