UDAV-1


RBU-12000


Overview

UDAV-1

KT-153 launcher of the UDAV-1 naval torpedo defense system seen on the Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Naval ASW system
Entered service
1986 for UDAV-1
2001 for UDAV-1M
Status
In service
Development
1971 - Mid 1980's
Developer
Soviet Union - NPO Splav
Soviet Union - KBM Kolomna
Production
Mid 1980's - ?
Producer
Soviet Union - GNPP Splav
Russia - GNPP Splav
Number produced
Six KT-153 10-tube launchers
Designations
RBU-12000 (NATO reporting name)
RKPTZ-1
Notable users
Soviet Union
Russia

Description

Introduction

The UDAV-1 is a naval ASW rocket launcher of Soviet origin. This system was in development for about 15 years. Unlike earlier Soviet rocked launched depth charge systems the UDAV-1 was primarily intended to protect capital ships against inbound torpedoes. The NATO reporting name RBU-12000 is an assumption based on earlier systems which used the naming convention of RBU and the effective range in meters. In practice the maximum range is 3 km opposed to 12 km assessed during the Cold War.

Design

The launcher, ammunition hoist and rocket projectiles are an upscaled design of the 1960's era RBU-6000 Smerch-2. The UDAV-1 system uses a 10-tube unmanned launcher for 300 mm rocket launched munitions. Unlike previous systems these are not just simple depth charges, but specialized munitions. At first three types were developed: an acoustic decoy, a conventional time fused depth charge and an acoustic mine for use as a barrier between the torpedo and vessel. The launch is controlled by fire control computer. Reloading is carried out automatically using a below deck magazine with hoist mechanism. It takes about 1 minute per tube to reload.

Fire control

Upon introduction the 111PM fire control system was highly advanced. Accurate sonar input is required to determine the launch, distance, bearing and type of enemy torpedo. At first one or more acoustic decoys are launched at a position as to divert the torpedo away from the vessel to be protected. In the mean time several barrier mines are launched at an optimal position between the inbound torpedo and the vessel.

Firepower

Maximum range of the UDAV-1 is 3 km. This is a quarter of what the RBU-12000 NATO reporting name suggests. The 12 km range was likely derived by assessing what an upscaled RBU-6000 can achieve, in combination with misleading Soviet information to obfuscate the true role of the UDAV-1 system. Soviet assessment is that there is a 90% effectiveness against a basic straight running torpedo and 76% effectiveness against a homing torpedo. Since the exact parameters of these scenarios aren't known it is difficult to assess combat effectiveness of the UDAV-1 or the improved UDAV-1M system.

Platforms

The UDAV-1 system is large, expensive and requires accurate sonar input. Only two aircraft carriers and two cruisers were ever fitted with UDAV-1 for self-defense. The Project 1155.1 Fregat-M anti-submarine warfare destroyers were to be fitted with the UDAV-1 to protect escorted vessels. Only a single Fregat-M was ever produced due to the fall of the Soviet Union. It seems that only six (or possibly eight) launchers were ever produced. Apparently some (or possibly all) have been updated to UDAV-1M. In the 1990's and 2000's the UDAV-1 was marketed for export sales, but was never sold.

System composition

UDAV-1

KT-153
10-tube launcher with below deck magazine. Reloaded automatically via hoist mechanism.
111SG
Rocket launched depth charge with 120 kg warhead. For use against submarines and other underwater targets.
111SZ
Rocket launched barrier mine with acoustic fuse and 80 kg warhead. Multiple of these slowly sinking mines act as barrier between an inbound torpedo and the ships that are to be protected.
111SO
Rocket launched acoustic decoy. Intended to lure torpedoes away from the ships to be protected.

UDAV-1M

KT-153M
Updated launcher associated with the new projectiles and updated fire control system. Looks externally similar to the original KT-153 and is still fed by the same type of below deck magazine with hoist system.
111SZG
Dual mode projectile flexibly fulfilling the roles of both 111SG and 111SZ. The fusing allows for use as a regular rocket launched depth charge or as a barrier mine.
111SO2
Updated version of the rocket launched acoustic decoy.

Details

Facts UDAV-1
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Naval ASW rocket launcher
Ordnance
Type
300 mm Type 111S rocket anti-submarine depth charge
Launch tubes
10 tubes
Rate of fire
2 rockets per second
Range
0.1 km minimum
3 km maximum
Mount
Feed mechanism
Automatic loader with magazine below deck
Ammunition
31 round magazine (21 and 41 round available)
Reload speed
52 to 72 seconds per projectile
Traverse
Powered elevation and traverse
Stabilization
Yes, for pitch and roll
Operation
Crew
Unmanned launcher
Fire control
111PM fire control system, uses sonar input
Reaction time
Less than 15 seconds
Dimensions
Weight
6.2 t empty launcher
14.7 t empty launcher plus magazine
Length
3.0 m
Deck penetration
Ammunition handling room below deck

Media

Ammunition types

Facts 111SG 111SZ 111SO 111SZG 111SO2
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Rocket powered depth charge
Dimensions
Diameter
300 mm
Length
2.2 m
Weight
250 kg
Warhead
Filling
120.5 kg explosive
Fuse type
Contact and proximity
Application
Projection method
KT-153 launcher of UDAV-1 system
Range
0.1 km minimum
3.0 km maximum
Depth
10 m minimum
600 m maximum

Platforms

UDAV-1

UDAV-1 system in use during a test launch on the aircraft carrier Baku in 1987.
Source: Soviet navy - © Copyright lies with original owner

List of ships armed with UDAV-1 system

Project 1155.1 Fregat-M class
Large anti-submarine warfare destroyer. Single ship in class. Fitted with two KT-153 launchers with 60 111SO, 111SZ and 111SG rockets stored in below deck magazines.
Project 1144 Orlan class
Soviet class of nuclear powered battlecruiser. NATO reporting name is Kirov class. Four ships in class, of which two are fitted with a single UDAV-1 system.
Project 1143.4 Baku class
Aircraft carrier of a modified Kiev class design. Single ship in class. Fitted with two KT-153 launchers with 60 111SO, 111SZ and 111SG rockets stored in below deck magazines.
Project 1143.5 Kuznetsov class
Aircraft carrier. Single ship in class. NATO reporting name Kuznetsov class. Fitted with two KT-153 launchers with 60 111SO, 111SZ and 111SG rockets stored in below deck magazines.

Related articles

RBU-6000 Smerch-2

The UDAV-1 launcher, rocket design and hoist mechanism are an upscaled version of the RBU-6000 system developed two decades earlier.

Read more about RBU-6000 Smerch-2