Conceptual Guide to Torpedo System Design and Development

Description: This guide comprehensively explores workflows for modern torpedo design, bridging theoretical principles with practical application. It offers a structured approach integrating engineering practices with technical data, making it highly useful for professionals, researchers and students.
Key topics include hydrodynamic configuration, sensor design, power requirements, stability, and control mechanisms. The book covers critical aspects such as shell design, material selection, onboard computing, monitoring, safety measures, and considerations for both exercise and combat torpedoes. Deployment strategies for aerial launches from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are discussed, emphasizing safety and compatibility certification.
The guide also examines launchers, fire control computers, and rigorous testing protocols to ensure reliability and operational readiness. It reflects the development cycle, from conceptual design to validation, adhering to a systematic engineering process.
Designed with a systems engineering perspective, it offers cross-disciplinary insights, building foundational expertise for designing and developing underwater weapon systems. It serves students, engineers, defence personnel, researchers, and scientists, equipping readers to contribute meaningfully to underwater weaponry.

Keywords:  Naval Warfare, Weapon System, Torpedo System, Design & Development, Naval Engineering

About the book: This guide comprehensively explores workflows for modern torpedo design, bridging theoretical principles with practical application. It offers a structured approach integrating engineering practices with technical data, making it highly useful for professionals, researchers and students.
Key topics include hydrodynamic configuration, sensor design, power requirements, stability, and control mechanisms. The book covers critical aspects such as shell design, material selection, onboard computing, monitoring, safety measures, and considerations for both exercise and combat torpedoes. Deployment strategies for aerial launches from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are discussed, emphasizing safety and compatibility certification.
The guide also examines launchers, fire control computers, and rigorous testing protocols to ensure reliability and operational readiness. It reflects the development cycle, from conceptual design to validation, adhering to a systematic engineering process.
Designed with a systems engineering perspective, it offers cross-disciplinary insights, building foundational expertise for designing and developing underwater weapon systems. It serves students, engineers, defence personnel, researchers, and scientists, equipping readers to contribute meaningfully to underwater weaponry.

About the Author:

Dr Rallabhandi Venkata Surya Subrahmanyam, retired Scientist 'G' from Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), has nearly four decades of expertise in torpedo systems and underwater technologies. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Sri Venkateswara University, with Masters from IIT Kanpur and a PhD from Andhra University, he established key facilities like the Cavitation Tunnel, CNC Manufacturing Centre, and Weapon Integration Centre. He spearheaded the critical technologies project and, as Head of the Mechanical Engineering Directorate, led projects on torpedoes, decoys, weapon fire control systems for submarines, and aerial delivery systems, advancing NSTL’s defence innovations.

Dr Y Sreenivas Rao, retired Distinguished Scientist and former Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), has extensive experience in missile and product development. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from JNTU, Hyderabad, with a PhD from Osmania University, he began his career at BHEL in gas turbine manufacturing. Joining DRDO in 2000, he worked on Prithvi warheads, contributed to missile defence, and led Mission Shakti as Project Director for the Exo Interceptor Missile. As NSTL Director and later Director General (NS&M), he advanced underwater weapons and oversaw six laboratories.