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A conceptual diagram of the Water Ram-type horizontal launch system jointly developed by Hanwha Ocean and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The technology uses water pressure generated inside a submarine to launch underwater munitions such as torpedoes. Hanwha Ocean said on Nov. 2 that it succeeded in localizing the core equipment after 10 years of research and development. / Courtesy of Hanwha Ocean

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hanwha Ocean have succeeded in localizing the Water Ram-type horizontal launch system, a key submarine weapons component, after 10 years of joint research and development. The achievement is seen as opening a new chapter not only in strengthening the capabilities of next-generation submarines but also in securing the export competitiveness of K-submarines, as the two sides independently developed a core torpedo-launching component that had previously relied on foreign technology.

Hanwha Ocean said on Nov. 2 that it had jointly developed with ADD a Water Ram-type horizontal launch system that uses water pressure to fire underwater munitions such as torpedoes, entirely with domestic technology.

The horizontal launch system is a key device that pushes torpedoes and other munitions from inside a submarine into the sea through launch tubes. The Water Ram method is a technology that uses water pressure to launch munitions at a constant speed, and the key lies in precisely controlling the force generated during the launch process.

This development secured not only technologies to control launch speed and pressure, but also multiple safety mechanisms. In particular, structural safety and shock resistance were enhanced so that the system can withstand the high water pressure of deep seas and the impact generated during launch. The structure of the equipment was also simplified to improve maintenance convenience.

The localization of the core equipment is expected to lead to lower submarine construction costs and shorter delivery times. It is also significant in that dependence on overseas supply chains can be reduced and the equipment can be designed and upgraded with domestic technology.

In particular, the developers also secured launch-force analysis technology that can be applied to various submarines, which is expected to enhance technological autonomy in future next-generation submarine development and overseas export projects. However, the specific scale of cost reductions and the timetable for applying the system to new submarines were not disclosed.

Kim Gun-ho, executive director and head of Hanwha Ocean’s Defense Technology Research Center, said, “Based on the technology and experience accumulated through this development, we will enhance the level of completion of core submarine equipment and continue to advance technologies related to next-generation submarines, thereby contributing to strengthening the naval power of the Republic of Korea.”

                                                                                                              Koo Pil-hyun