SEAMEDIUMACTIVE

Blue Shark (K745)

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Indigenous lightweight anti-submarine torpedo designed for deployment from surface warships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft. Weight of approximately 290 kg with a 324mm diameter (standard NATO lightweight torpedo size). Features an advanced active/passive acoustic homing seeker with digital signal processing for target classification and counter-countermeasures resistance. Electric propulsion provides a speed exceeding 45 knots with an operational range of approximately 19 km. Capable of engaging submarines at depths up to 500 metres with a directed-energy warhead optimised for submarine hull penetration. The Blue Shark replaced the American Mk 46 torpedo in ROK Navy service, providing an indigenous capability free of foreign supply restrictions. Deployed across the ROK Navy's surface combatant fleet and from AW159 Wildcat and Super Lynx helicopters.

Blue Shark (K745)
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Blue Shark (K745) - LIG Nex1
ADVANTAGES
  • Korean indigenous lightweight torpedo
  • 45-knot speed for high intercept probability
  • 900m depth rating for deep water ASW
  • Active/passive dual acoustic seeker
  • Multi-platform ship/helicopter/sonobuoy launch
DISADVANTAGES
  • 45kg warhead modest vs heavyweight torpedoes
  • 19km range limits engagement envelope
  • Korea-specific — limited export
  • Challenging to validate vs advanced submarines
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LAUNCHShip Torpedo Tubes, Helicopter Dipping Or Sonobuoy
DEPTH M900
GUIDANCEActive/Passive Acoustic Homing
LENGTH M2.7
RANGE KM19
WEIGHT KG136
WARHEAD KG45
DIAMETER MM324
SPEED KNOTS45
Discussion & Reviews(1)

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PentagonWatcherMarshal of the Air Force
41d ago

Pilot workload reduction through automation is the real capability leap here, not just raw performance numbers.

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