Underwater weapon

The underwater weapon is used to combat targets on the surface and under water.

Torpedo hit on a merchant ship in the Pacific War

The effect of underwater weapons differs significantly from the effect of similar explosive devices on the surface, since the pressure wave continues faster under water and is weakened more strongly due to the more pronounced amplitude weakening. The explosion of underwater weapons therefore occurs directly under floating targets or in the immediate vicinity of submerged targets.

Underwater weapons include

• Depth charges
• Torpedoes
• Sea mines

Underwater weapons can be fired or deployed from the surface, from submerged objects and from aircraft.

Missiles that are launched below the surface of the water are not counted as underwater weapons.