The U.S. National Interest magazine admired the performance characteristics of the VA-111 “Shkval” torpedo, developed and adopted for service in the Soviet era
The need for a high-speed submarine missile in the USSR arose after a dramatic breakthrough by the United States in the development of nuclear propulsion systems, the article says.
The authors noted that the “Squall” is equipped with a solid rocket engine, which provides a maximum speed of 370 kilometres per hour. This figure was achieved through the use of supercavitation, a technology in which gas was ejected from the nose of the torpedo, forming a gas bubble around the projectile, which minimised contact with water.
Experts highlighted two disadvantages of the torpedo: high propulsion noise and relatively low manoeuvrability.
“Nevertheless, the incredible speed of the Squall leaves the enemy very little chance to retaliate if used at the right moment”, – the publication notes.