Everyone is focusing on the electromagnetic catapult and carrier aircraft of the Fujian, but a small device hidden on both sides of the ship's hull has recently caused quite a stir in the military fan circle. It may be the legendary anti-torpedo torpedo (ATT).

This is not just a regular upgrade; it's like equipping an aircraft carrier with a "bodyguard" that specializes in "killing" incoming torpedoes underwater. Looking back at this path, China has taken over 20 years to go from a "student" who was focused on research to being able to install this top technology on the most advanced aircraft carrier.

This path has been solidly walked by China, basically summarized as a "three-step approach":

The first step: From the late 1990s to early 21st century, we were deeply involved in theoretical research.

At that time, research institutes such as the 710th Research Institute of China Shipbuilding Industry, had already been quietly tackling tough problems. They published a massive number of papers on how to detect torpedoes, plan interception routes, and guidance. In short, this stage was about deconstructing this world-class problem and completing countless simulation interceptions in computers.

The second step: In 2014, we made a subtle appearance at the Zhuhai Airshow.

Our first public display of related equipment was the "Yu-8" rocket-propelled anti-torpedo system. It acted like a "long-distance courier," quickly delivering the warhead to a distant detonation. It mainly relied on the explosion shock wave, which was not yet "intelligent." But this small step was important, as it announced to the world that China had started to play with hard-kill anti-torpedo systems.

The third step: In 2016, we confidently showed off our muscles at the African Defense Exhibition.

This was truly the "king card" moment! Chinese defense companies displayed the CS/ARI anti-torpedo torpedo system directly at the exhibition. The model was placed there, and the system composition was clearly written: "Torpedo warning sonar + launch control system + anti-torpedo torpedo."

This means that we not only produced it, but also made it into a mature product, even capable of export! From this point on, no one doubted China's ability to master ATT.

So, what makes the anti-torpedo torpedo so good?

It's not just a simple depth charge. To intercept a high-speed "underwater poison needle" in the vast ocean, it must have several special skills:

"A flexible fat man": It must be able to make sharper turns and maneuvers than the incoming torpedo, otherwise it can't catch up.

"Sharp eyes": Its acoustic guidance head must be smart enough to identify the real torpedo among various noises and false targets. The digital processing and AI algorithms used here are core secrets.

"Second-level response": From the sonar detecting the target to it firing into the water and locking onto the target, the entire process must be measured in seconds. Modern torpedoes are too fast; hesitating for a moment could mean the ship is gone.

The most important thing is that ATT does not act alone. It is tightly integrated with the ship's advanced towed sonar and combat command system, forming a fully automatic life-or-death defense system from "detection-decision-interception".

How is the anti-torpedo torpedo used in the naval system? "Combining soft and hard measures, layer-by-layer interception".

The defense of an aircraft carrier is three-dimensional, and dealing with torpedoes is no exception, emphasizing "combining soft and hard measures, layer-by-layer interception":

The first move: Deceive (soft kill). First, release acoustic decoys and jammers, equivalent to placing a "double" or creating a "noise fog" underwater, tricking the torpedo to attack a fake target.

The second move: Kill (hard kill). If deception doesn't work, the ATT will come out. This is the "underwater sniper," directly rushing forward to precisely eliminate the threat at a safe distance. The core upgrade of the Fujian is replacing the previous "shotgun" (rocket depth charges) with a "sniper rifle" (ATT).

The third move: Block (ultimate defense). If the torpedo gets right up close, then use anti-torpedo depth charges to explode a "wall" around the ship for a final fight.

What does it mean to equip the Fujian with an anti-torpedo torpedo?

First, it's a practical choice. Facing the new generation of torpedoes like the US MK48Mod8, which are faster and smarter, old-style rocket depth charges are like using a shotgun to shoot a missile, with very low probability. The Fujian's choice shows that the Chinese navy is moving towards actual combat, pursuing survival in the harshest environments.

Second, it's a demonstration of technological confidence. Being brave enough to use the latest and most complex technologies on the country's key weapons proves that our ATT is reliable and mature enough.

Finally, it's a reflection of the system's evolution. From the "solving the problem of having" on the Liaoning and Shandong, to the "pursuing superiority" on the Fujian, every detail of this aircraft carrier tells us that the Chinese navy is building a modern blue-water navy with top technology and a complete system.

Looking ahead: Anti-torpedo torpedo technology will continue to evolve, such as faster speed, more intelligence, and joint operations (multiple ships sharing information and coordinating interception). This quiet upgrade of the Fujian is another solid step in the Chinese navy's journey to the deep blue and building an impregnable underwater defense.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7576484672167871017/

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