Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Indian Navy and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone as an indigenous heavy-weight torpedo, Varunastra, successfully engaged an underwater target in a live test on June 6, 2023.
What is a Torpedo?
A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater weapon designed to target and destroy enemy vessels or submarines. It is typically cylindrical in shape and equipped with explosives, propulsion systems, and guidance mechanisms.
About Varunastra:
It is an indigenously designed and developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo. It was designed and developed by the Vizag-based Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under the DRDO and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
- It has a maximum speed of 40 knots and a maximum operating depth of 600 m, has a long range with multi-manoeuvring capabilities
- It features advanced capabilities such as low drift navigational systems, acoustic homing, and autonomous guidance algorithms.
Other types of Torpedos with the Indian navy: Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena (ALT-S); Whitehead A244/S; APR-3E; SET-65E
