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	'''Black Scorpion''' is a miniature torpedo developed by ].		'''Black Scorpion''' is a miniature ] developed by ].

	==Description==		==Description==
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	The Black Scorpion is a miniature active-sonar homing torpedo developed from the ], which in turn was originally developed to assist in the classification of targets. In order to deal with a potentially hostile submarine target, either a depth charge or a torpedo would be launched at it, either to kill it or cause it to flee, thus confirming it as a hostile submarine. With the obsolescence of conventional depth charges and the high cost of homing torpedoes, an intermediate solution was developed.<ref>{{cite book\|first = Norman\|last = Friedman\|title = The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems, 1991/92\|publisher = ]\|date = 1991\|isbn = 0-87021-288-5\|page=698}}</ref> The Black Scorpion is a full-featured acoustic homing torpedo with greater speed and endurance than its predecessor. Shallow-water performance has been enhanced, with normal operational depth stated as ranging from 30 to 200 meters when deployed from an aircraft, and a speed of at least 15 knots.<ref>{{cite web\|date=2020\|title=Black Scorpion, Mini Torpedo Designed to Support the Contact Classification Process\|publisher=Leonardo S.p.A.\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/documents/16277707/18370693/Black+Scorpion_HQ.pdf}}</ref>		The Black Scorpion is a miniature active-sonar homing torpedo developed from the ], which in turn was originally developed to assist in the classification of targets. In order to deal with a potentially hostile submarine target, either a depth charge or a torpedo would be launched at it, either to kill it or cause it to flee, thus confirming it as a hostile submarine. With the obsolescence of conventional depth charges and the high cost of homing torpedoes, an intermediate solution was developed.<ref>{{cite book\|first = Norman\|last = Friedman\|title = The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems, 1991/92\|publisher = ]\|date = 1991\|isbn = 0-87021-288-5\|page=698}}</ref> The Black Scorpion is a full-featured acoustic homing torpedo with greater speed and endurance than its predecessor. Shallow-water performance has been enhanced, with normal operational depth stated as ranging from 30 to 200 meters when deployed from an aircraft, and a speed of at least 15 knots.<ref>{{cite web\|date=2020\|title=Black Scorpion, Mini Torpedo Designed to Support the Contact Classification Process\|publisher=Leonardo S.p.A.\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/documents/16277707/18370693/Black+Scorpion_HQ.pdf}}</ref>

	The weapon is capable of launch from surface, underwater, and aerial launch tubes.<ref name="Euronaval 2018">{{cite web\|first = Beth\|last = Maundrill\|title=Euronaval 2018: Leonardo Continues Progress with Weapon Systems\|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/euronaval-2018-leonardo-continues-progress-weapon-/\|website=Shephard Media\|date=23 October 2018\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> The air-dropped version is deployed from NATO standard size A aerial ] dispensers,<ref name="Naval News 2020">{{cite web\|first = Peter\|last = Ong\|title=Leonardo Naval Defense Solutions for the Middle East Region\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/leonardo-naval-defense-solutions-for-the-middle-east-region/\|website=Naval News\|date=26 July 2020\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> allowing a single helicopter to carry a considerable number of units and deploy them in rapid succession. Aside from target classification as described above, the weapon is also effective at engaging small underwater targets, such as ], ], ], sabotage or espionage-related equipment hauled by ], and other hostile entities engaged in underwater special operations.		The weapon is capable of launch from surface, underwater, and aerial launch tubes.<ref name="Euronaval 2018">{{cite web\|first = Beth\|last = Maundrill\|title=Euronaval 2018: Leonardo Continues Progress with Weapon Systems\|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/euronaval-2018-leonardo-continues-progress-weapon-/\|website=Shephard Media\|date=23 October 2018\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> The air-dropped version is deployed from NATO standard size A aerial ] dispensers,<ref name="Naval News 2020">{{cite web\|first = Peter\|last = Ong\|title=Leonardo Naval Defense Solutions for the Middle East Region\|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/leonardo-naval-defense-solutions-for-the-middle-east-region/\|website=Naval News\|date=26 July 2020\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> allowing a single helicopter to carry a considerable number of units and deploy them in rapid succession. Aside from target classification as described above, the weapon is also effective at engaging small underwater targets, such as ]s, ]s, ], sabotage or espionage-related equipment hauled by ], and other hostile entities engaged in underwater special operations.

	The Black Scorpion was initially presented at the Euronaval 2014 trade show.<ref name="European Defence Review 2020">{{cite web\|first = Luca\|last = Peruzzi\|title=Leonardo’s Black Scorpion mini-torpedo is on track to complete qualification for delivery to customers\|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/leonardos-black-scorpion-mini-torpedo-is-on-track-to-complete-qualification-for-delivery-to-customers\|website=European Defence Review\|date=22 July 2020\|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> Following a period of development and testing, the Black Scorpion became available in 2021.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Black Scorpion\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/en/products/black-scorpion-1\|website=electronics.leonardo.com\|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> The weapon was showcased at the NAVDEX 2023 trade show in ] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web\|title=NAVDEX 2023: Fincantieri New Submarine, Black Scorpion Torpedo, Aselsan CIWS, PT PAL, CSSC\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ1tu4pFa6I\|website=Naval News - YouTube\|date=23 February 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> Leonardo S.p.A. is developing a military ] capable of carrying two Black Scorpion torpedoes.<ref>{{cite web\|date=2023\|title=V-FIDES, Wire-Guidable Vehicle for Underwater Identification and Detection\|publisher=Leonardo S.p.A.\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/documents/16277707/0/V-Fides+MM08740+NR.pdf}}</ref>		The Black Scorpion was initially presented at the Euronaval 2014 trade show.<ref name="European Defence Review 2020">{{cite web\|first = Luca\|last = Peruzzi\|title=Leonardo’s Black Scorpion mini-torpedo is on track to complete qualification for delivery to customers\|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/leonardos-black-scorpion-mini-torpedo-is-on-track-to-complete-qualification-for-delivery-to-customers\|website=European Defence Review\|date=22 July 2020\|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> Following a period of development and testing, the Black Scorpion became available in 2021.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Black Scorpion\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/en/products/black-scorpion-1\|website=electronics.leonardo.com\|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> The weapon was showcased at the NAVDEX 2023 trade show in ] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web\|title=NAVDEX 2023: Fincantieri New Submarine, Black Scorpion Torpedo, Aselsan CIWS, PT PAL, CSSC\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ1tu4pFa6I\|website=Naval News - YouTube\|date=23 February 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> Leonardo S.p.A. is developing a military ] capable of carrying two Black Scorpion torpedoes.<ref>{{cite web\|date=2023\|title=V-FIDES, Wire-Guidable Vehicle for Underwater Identification and Detection\|publisher=Leonardo S.p.A.\|url=https://electronics.leonardo.com/documents/16277707/0/V-Fides+MM08740+NR.pdf}}</ref>

	==Variant==		==Variant==
	Information about specific variants of the Black Scorpion is not yet available. The basic version presented at trade shows has a body diameter of 127 mm, is 1.1 m long, and carries a 2.8 kg shaped charge warhead ~~comprised~~ of ]. The weapon shares many design similarities with the Leonardo MJTE (Mobile Jammer Target Emulator) ].{{R\|European Defence Review 2020}} Aside from the size A sonobuoy dispenser, the weapon is designed to be compatible with the B534 submarine launch tube, and the B537 canister when used with the B538 launch tube - which can be clustered, similar to smoke and flare launch tubes. Midget submarines can carry the Black Scorpion externally mounted in drop collars. Unlike its predecessor, the weapon uses a ], which suggests much greater propulsive endurance.{{R\|Naval News 2020}} The weapon's seeker head features many elements of signal processing and acoustic signal handling developed for the heavyweight ].{{R\|European Defence Review 2020}}		Information about specific variants of the Black Scorpion is not yet available. The basic version presented at trade shows has a body diameter of 127 mm, is 1.1 m long, and carries a 2.8 kg shaped charge warhead composed of ]. The weapon shares many design similarities with the Leonardo MJTE (Mobile Jammer Target Emulator) ].{{R\|European Defence Review 2020}} Aside from the size A sonobuoy dispenser, the weapon is designed to be compatible with the B534 submarine launch tube, and the B537 canister when used with the B538 launch tube - which can be clustered, similar to smoke and flare launch tubes. Midget submarines can carry the Black Scorpion externally mounted in drop collars. Unlike its predecessor, the weapon uses a ], which suggests much greater propulsive endurance.{{R\|Naval News 2020}} The weapon's seeker head features many elements of signal processing and acoustic signal handling developed for the heavyweight ].{{R\|European Defence Review 2020}}

	==Operators==		==Operators==
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	* {{UK}} - obtained by Kraken Technology Group<ref>{{cite web\|first = Joe\|last = Saballa\|title=Leonardo to Equip K50 KRAKEN Maritime Gunship With Mini-Torpedoes\|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2023/02/15/leonardo-kraken-gunship-torpedoes/\|website=Naval News\|date=15 February 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref>		* {{UK}} - obtained by Kraken Technology Group<ref>{{cite web\|first = Joe\|last = Saballa\|title=Leonardo to Equip K50 KRAKEN Maritime Gunship With Mini-Torpedoes\|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2023/02/15/leonardo-kraken-gunship-torpedoes/\|website=Naval News\|date=15 February 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref>
	* {{UAE}} - obtained by Highland Systems<ref>{{cite web\|first = Kelsey\|last = Atherton\|title=This small prototype submarine could fly through the water for covert missions\|url=https://www.popsci.com/technology/kronos-submarine-prototype/\|website=Popular Science\|date=6 March 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref>		* {{UAE}} - obtained by Highland Systems<ref>{{cite web\|first = Kelsey\|last = Atherton\|title=This small prototype submarine could fly through the water for covert missions\|url=https://www.popsci.com/technology/kronos-submarine-prototype/\|website=Popular Science\|date=6 March 2023\|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref>

			==See also==

			* ] - Italian torpedo, predecessor to the Black Scorpion
			* Northrop Grumman VLWT (Very Lightweight Torpedo) program<ref name="TWZ 2020 A">{{cite web\|first = Joseph\|last = Trevithick\|title=Northrop Grumman Reveals New Mini Torpedo Aimed At Arming And Defending Navy Submarines\|url=https://www.twz.com/33606/northrop-grumman-reveals-new-mini-torpedo-aimed-at-arming-and-defending-navy-submarines\|website=The Warzone\|date=21 May 2020\|access-date=14 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="TWZ 2020 B">{{cite web\|first = Joseph\|last = Trevithick\|title=U.S. Navy Looking To Arm Its Subs With Tiny Torpedoes That Intercept Incoming Torpedoes\|url=https://www.twz.com/27386/u-s-navy-looking-to-arm-its-subs-with-tiny-torpedoes-that-intercept-incoming-torpedoes\|website=The Warzone\|date=21 May 2020\|access-date=14 December 2024}}</ref>
			* USN CRAW (Compact Rapid Attack Weapon) program{{R\|TWZ 2020 A}}{{R\|TWZ 2020 B}}<ref>{{cite web\|first = Mikayla\|last = Easley\|title=Navy on Cusp of Awarding Contract for New Torpedo\|url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/4/18/navy-on-cusp-of-awarding-contract-for-new-torpedo\|website=National Defense Magazine\|date=18 April 2022\|access-date=14 December 2024}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
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	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	==External ~~Links~~==		==External links==

	*		*

Latest revision as of 23:04, 14 December 2024

Miniature torpedo

Black Scorpion
Type	Miniature torpedo
Place of origin	Italy
Service history
Used by	Italy, Cyprus, United Kingdom, UAE
Production history
Manufacturer	Leonardo
Produced	2014-present
Specifications
Mass	<20 kg
Length	1.1 m
Diameter	127 mm

Warhead	PBX shaped charge
Warhead weight	2.8 kg
Detonation mechanism	Impact or proximity

Engine	Contra-rotating direct-drive brushless electric motor
Propellant	Thermal battery
Operational range	Unknown
Maximum depth	≤200 m (660 ft)
Maximum speed	>15 kn (28 km/h)
Guidance system	Acoustic homing
Launch platform	Aerial, surface, submarine

Black Scorpion is a miniature torpedo developed by Leonardo S.p.A.

Description

The Black Scorpion is a miniature active-sonar homing torpedo developed from the A200 LCAW, which in turn was originally developed to assist in the classification of targets. In order to deal with a potentially hostile submarine target, either a depth charge or a torpedo would be launched at it, either to kill it or cause it to flee, thus confirming it as a hostile submarine. With the obsolescence of conventional depth charges and the high cost of homing torpedoes, an intermediate solution was developed. The Black Scorpion is a full-featured acoustic homing torpedo with greater speed and endurance than its predecessor. Shallow-water performance has been enhanced, with normal operational depth stated as ranging from 30 to 200 meters when deployed from an aircraft, and a speed of at least 15 knots.

The weapon is capable of launch from surface, underwater, and aerial launch tubes. The air-dropped version is deployed from NATO standard size A aerial sonar buoy dispensers, allowing a single helicopter to carry a considerable number of units and deploy them in rapid succession. Aside from target classification as described above, the weapon is also effective at engaging small underwater targets, such as midget submarines, diver propulsion vehicles, human torpedoes, sabotage or espionage-related equipment hauled by frogmen, and other hostile entities engaged in underwater special operations.

The Black Scorpion was initially presented at the Euronaval 2014 trade show. Following a period of development and testing, the Black Scorpion became available in 2021. The weapon was showcased at the NAVDEX 2023 trade show in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Leonardo S.p.A. is developing a military UUV capable of carrying two Black Scorpion torpedoes.

Variant

Information about specific variants of the Black Scorpion is not yet available. The basic version presented at trade shows has a body diameter of 127 mm, is 1.1 m long, and carries a 2.8 kg shaped charge warhead composed of PBX. The weapon shares many design similarities with the Leonardo MJTE (Mobile Jammer Target Emulator) self-propelled acoustic decoy. Aside from the size A sonobuoy dispenser, the weapon is designed to be compatible with the B534 submarine launch tube, and the B537 canister when used with the B538 launch tube - which can be clustered, similar to smoke and flare launch tubes. Midget submarines can carry the Black Scorpion externally mounted in drop collars. Unlike its predecessor, the weapon uses a thermal battery, which suggests much greater propulsive endurance. The weapon's seeker head features many elements of signal processing and acoustic signal handling developed for the heavyweight Black Shark.