Hoot (torpedo)

Hoot
TypeSupercavitation Torpedo
Service history
In service2006–present
Used byIran
Specifications
WarheadHigh explosive
EngineSolid-fuel rocket
Operational
range
6 miles[1]
Maximum speed 360 km/h (220 mph) 100 meters per second

The Hoot (Persian: حوت; Whale) is an Iranian supercavitation torpedo claimed to travel at approximately 360 km/h (220 mph), several times faster than a conventional torpedo.[2] It was claimed to have been successfully test-fired[3] from a surface ship against a dummy submarine during the Iranian military exercise "Great Prophet" (پيامبر اعظم) on 2 April 2006 and 3 April 2006. Iran test-fired the torpedo within its territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz in May 2017.[1]

The official Iranian news agency IRNA claims the torpedo was produced and developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (سپاه پاسداران انقلاب اسلامی). Most military and industry analysts have concluded that the Hoot is reverse engineered from the Russian VA-111 Shkval supercavitation torpedo which travels at the same speed.[4][5][6]

  1. ^ a b Griffin, Jennifer (May 8, 2017). "Iran test-fires torpedo in the Strait of Hormuz". Fox News. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017.
  2. ^ "Whale (Hoot)". Federation of American Scientists. Archived from the original on 25 December 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  3. ^ "جنجالی ترین موشک زیرسطحی ایران ملقب به ماهی نهنگ خوار". آپارات (in Persian). Retrieved 2017-09-29.
  4. ^ Fisher, Richard Jr. (May 20, 2006). "China's Alliance With Iran Grows Contrary to U.S. Hopes". International Assessment and Strategy Center. Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  5. ^ Sammy Salama; Nikolai Sokov; Gina Cabrera-Farraj (May 4, 2006). "Iran Tests Missiles for Domestic and Foreign Audiences; Origins of One Advanced System Remain Murky". James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved 2015-06-04.
  6. ^ Tait, Robert (April 3, 2006). "Iran fires naval missile into nuclear debate". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-06.