Chinese torpedoes and PLUR: how China builds underwater power from "Fish-6" to "Long Brush"

The Chinese People's Army (PLA) has long stopped simply copying other people's technologies — now it is creating serious underwater weapons capable of keeping the entire Pacific region in suspense. We tell you how the Chinese torpedo program has developed — from the first steps with Soviet and American designs to modern "smart" systems that can fly, float and destroy targets with precision, like in a Hollywood action movie.

"Fish-6" — heavy rocket underwater

Let's start with the "Fish-6" — this is the first real heavy thermal torpedo of its own Chinese design. Its creation began in the late 1980s, and the basis was the Soviet 53-65KE. But the Chinese did not stop copying — they decided to mix technologies: they included elements from the American Mk.46 Mod 1, which was accidentally caught by fishermen back in 1978. Yes, it's true — one US torpedo was a godsend for Chinese engineers.

The work took a long time — the tests lasted for 10 years, because it was necessary to debug the guidance system using imported processors. It was not until 1995 that the torpedo received an official designation, and the PLA Navy adopted it only in 2005.

What's so special about it?  

— This is the first Chinese torpedo capable of maneuvering, evading anti-torpedo means.  

— Maximum speed is up to 65 knots, range is up to 45 km.  

— Equips submarines of projects 093 and 094, as well as diesel-electric submarines 039, 040, 041.  

— It has a modular design and software with an open architecture, which means it can be easily upgraded.  

— It is driven by a liquid fuel engine with a screw inside the guide tube.

By the way, this is not the final — "Fish-6" was followed by "Fish-9", an even more advanced version.

"Fish-7" — light, but versatile

If the Fish-6 is heavy artillery, then the Fish-7 is a mobile scout. Development began back in 1982 under the "project 109" program, but the official designation appeared only in 1994 - apparently, the engineers had something to improve. As a result, there were three modifications: A, B and C.

This torpedo is versatile: it can be launched from Zhi-9 and Zhi-18 helicopters, surface ships and even airplanes.  

— Caliber — 324 mm, weight — 235 kg, warhead — 45 kg.  

— Speed — up to 45 knots, range — up to 40 km.  

— Can operate at depths up to 400 meters.  

— Guidance — active/passive acoustic.  

— The GPS sees the target at a distance of up to 2 km.

Simply put, the Fish-7 is a drone underwater: it launches from the air, plops into the sea and searches for a submarine by itself.

Modern torpedoes: "Fish-10", "11" and "12"

Currently, China is already releasing three new models — "Fish-10", "11" and "12". Of particular interest is the Fish-10, a heavy multifunctional 533 mm torpedo in mass production since 2014.

What's cool about it:

— The engine can withstand up to 1500°C, cooled by seawater.  

— Three fuel compartments give a long range.  

— Electronics allows you to smoothly change the speed in flight.  

— Instead of a propeller, a water jet propulsion system, quieter and more efficient.  

— It is controlled via a fiber-optic cable, which increases accuracy and range without increasing dimensions.  

— The length with a coil is no more than 7 meters, the warhead weight is 230 kg.

In the future, the Chinese want to increase speeds to 70 knots, reduce noise, and introduce composite materials and more powerful processors.

PLUR "Long Brush" is a rocket that turns into a torpedo

And now — the trick: anti-submarine missiles (PLUR). It's like a rocket that flies towards a target, falls into the water and turns into a torpedo. China has a whole series — "Long Brush" (CY).

- CY-1 — based on the Italian A244S torpedo and the Yingji-81 missile. It flies at Mach 1.5, but only at 18-20 km.  

- CY-2 — slower (0.9 Mach), but further — 56 km. Uses a Fish-7 torpedo.  

- CY-3 — already equipped with a digital feedback system, the range is up to 80 km, the seeker sees the target under water at 2 km

. - CY-4 — for helicopters and patrol aircraft.

PLUR "Fish-8" — launches from the military-industrial complex like an anti-aircraft gun

A special place is occupied by "Fish-8" (export — ET-80 or LQ-008). Development began in 2002, and testing ended by **2006** , and in 2013 it has already been used in exercises.

What makes it unique?  

— It can be launched  from vertical launchers (MIC) For example, from the "Red Banner of the Sea-16".  

— That is, frigate 054A or corvette 056A can attack a submarine, even without special torpedo tubes.  

— Uses a compact accelerator and a Fish-7 (or export ET-52C/ET-60).

It's like shooting an anti—aircraft missile, but down into the water. And the target doesn't even have time to figure out where it came from.