Torpedo launch procedure consists of two phases. First a torpedo must be configured, assembled and fueled, then it must be loaded into a launch tube and launch parameters set.
All torpedoes and probes use a common flight casing, into which the required ordnance and/or sensor packs are added depending on launch requirements.
Ordnance configuration units provide automated assembly, fueling and configuration of torpedoes or probes according to user-selected specifications. Multiple configuration units are available for rapid ordnance deployment.
A number of configuration options must be defined before a torpedo is ready for launch. Once this is completed, the configuration unit can be instructed to assemble the torpedo to the defined specification.
A number of ordnance options are available to suit a range of mission tasks, including sensor packs for use by probes. Options are selectable from a carousel interface presenting visual representations of each.
Torpedoes are equipped with passive EMDAR sensors but due to antenna size and computing limitations these can only operate within a limited EM spectrum range – the equivalent of one EM band, which is selected as part of the torpedo configuration.
A number of search patterns are available for the torpedo to follow while it is seeking a contact in passive mode. Selecting a search pattern displays relevant configurable variables.
Once the search pattern is set, configuration options for active mode failover are displayed. These define when the torpedo automatically shifts to active mode, after a defined period of time without a contact or within a certain range of a contact.
Once the necessary configuration options are selected, the configuration unit can be instructed to assemble to torpedo. A countdown timer indicates the time remaining until assembly completion.
When assembly is complete, the torpedo will be available for loading into one of the launch tubes.
The configuration unit cannot be used to configure another torpedo until the previous torpedo is loaded into a launch tube.
Torpedoes are launched from railgun-propelled ‘tubes’.
Railguns require a large amount of power delivered almost instantaneously. To achieve this, each railgun has a large capacitor which stores power for rapid release at launch. These capacitors take time to charge, which varies depending on how much power is allocated to the charging process.
Torpedoes can be launched at less than full capacitor charge, but at a reduced launch velocity.
After launch, torpedoes can exchange telemetry and tracking data with the vessel via a tight-beam high frequency (laser) transmission system.
Each tube has two wire-guidance transmitter/receivers to track torpedoes launched from that tube. If a subsequent torpedo launches when both wire-guidance systems are engaged, it will not be tracked and will move immediately into passive mode.
Wire guidance can be terminated from this console and it can also be terminated from the Weapons Direction console. Co-ordination between these positions is therefore recommended.
Multiple torpedoes can be launched at the same time as part of a co-coordinated 'spread'. This technique allows a greater target area to be covered but is extremely power intensive and creates significant EM emissions.
Once a loaded tube is added to a spread, its torpedo launch can be offset by a configurable bearing, to achieve the desired target area coverage.
Tapping the launch button of any of the tubes assigned to the spread will launch all assigned tubes.
When torpedo loading has finished, the tube launch button will display active state and the torpedo can be launched at any time. This may be before full launcher charge has been achieved.
A torpedo launch can be aborted at any time after launch from this console, via a single-bit quantum comm link with the torpedo.
Torpedo abort can also be triggered from the Weapons Direction console.
Typically the launch console abort option will only be used if there is a launch-related problem, while in-flight abort will only be triggered from Weapons Direction.