Bofors 375mm M/50


Mimmi | Erika | Nelli


Overview

Bofors 375mm

Bofors 375mm rocket depth charge on display in a German museum.
Source: Alf van Beem - © Public domain

Origin
Sweden
Type
Depth charge
Entered service
1956
Status
Limited service
Development
1948 - 1950 for M/50
1960's for Erika
1972 for Nelli)
Developer
Sweden - Bofors
Production
1950's - present?
Producer
Sweden - Bofors
Japan
Number produced
Produced in large quantities
Notable users
Sweden
France
Japan
Germany
Netherlands

Description

Design

The Bofors 375mm rocket powered depth charges were developed for the Bofors M/50 system. Four, six and twin tube launchers were developed over time. The 375mm depth charges have an ogive shape and tail fins stabilize the projectile in flight. The solid propellant rocket motor launches the projectile. Range is determined by the elevation of the launcher. Backblast and smoke production are significant. Over time the range and fusing options of the 375mm rockets were improved.

Variants

M/50
Original rocket first introduced in 1956. 0.4 to 0.8 km range. Nickname is Mimmi or Type M.
Erika
Improved rocket introduced in the 1960's. Has an improved range of 0.6 to 1.6 km and is fitted with Stidar time and impact fuse.
Nelli
Most capable variant of the 375mm rockets. Introduced in 1974. Has an improved range of 1.6 to 3.6 km. The Zambo proximity fuse increases lethality, even with the reduced 80 kg weight warhead.

Details

Facts Mimmi Erika Nelli
General
Origin
Sweden
Type
Rocket launched depth charge
Dimensions
Weight
250 kg
Diameter
375mm
Length
2.15 m
Warhead
Warhead type
High explosive
Warhead weight
Over 100 kg
Fuse
Impact fuse?
Launch envelope
Range
0.38 km minimum
0.83 km maximum
Launch velocity
100 m/s
Sink speed
About 10 m/s

Media

Bofors 375mm

375mm Bofors anti-subarine rocket launched from a Type 71 launcher.
Source: Mick - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Bofors B4 launcher

Two Bofors B4 quadruple launchers for 375mm rockets on a Halland class destroyer.
Source: Marcusroos - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Related articles

Bofors M/50

The 375mm Bofors M/50 rockets are launched from the quadruple B4 and Type 71 launchers, sextuple Modèle 54 and twin barrel B2.

Read more about Bofors M/50