Collins Class Submarine - Heavyweight Torpedo Full Rate Production Decision

(Friday, 28 July 2006) -- On 22 June 2006, approval was given to proceed to Full Rate Production for the MK 48 Advanced Capability Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (ADCAP CBASS) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedo.

The torpedo is a product of a joint engineering, development, manufacturing and support project between Australia and the United States and will be the primary weapon aboard both nations' submarines.


This important milestone demonstrates the continuing success of the joint program, highlighting the development and operational testing carried out in Australia as well as the work of Australia's weapons facility in WA in building up the weapons for test.

This was demonstrated in test firings in December 2005 in a shallow water environment off the Western Australian coast by a USN submarine against the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) world-class Collins diesel submarines.

The joint operational test activity demonstrated the extent to which the two countries utilise each others' capabilities and assets to develop and test a state of the art weapon.

From weapons assembly, to firing, to data analysis, the United States Navy (USN) together with the RAN performed the international testing in harmony.

Modifications to HMAS Waller, the first submarine to be converted to handle and fire the new weapon, are progressing to schedule during its current Full Cycle Docking. Initial sea trials are scheduled for mid 2007.

Cooperating with the US Navy means we have the opportunity to influence design and development of the systems and to participate in a continuous improvement program to deliver the latest technology advances for Australia's submarine fleet.

Australia's Submarine fleet is an important element of our National Maritime Strategy and a vital asset in the protection of Australia's strategic interests.

Source : Australian MoD