A supercavitating torpedo is a

torpedo A modern torpedo is an underwater ranged weapon launched above or below the water surface, self-propelled towards a target, with an explosive warhead designed to detonate either on contact with or in proximity to the target. Historically, such ...

using the effect of

supercavitation Supercavitation is the phenomenon of a cavitation bubble reducing skin friction drag on a submerged object and enabling high speeds. Applications include torpedoes and propellers, but in theory, the technique could be extended to an entire un ...

to create a

bubble Bubble, Bubbles or The Bubble may refer to: Common uses * Bubble (physics), a globule of one substance in another, usually gas in a liquid ** Soap bubble * Economic bubble, a situation where asset prices are much higher than underlying fundame ...

around the torpedo to move at high velocity under water. Super cavitation has many variables, though. If the air stream is unstable, the torpedo could lose balance. The idea is to reduce drag on the torpedo while it sails underwater. This would make the speed greater and therefore the force of impact greater. The following is a list of supercavitating torpedoes which have been developed or are in development. *

VA-111 Shkval The VA-111 ''Shkval'' (from , ''squall'') torpedo and its descendants are supercavitating torpedoes originally developed by the Soviet Union. They are capable of speeds in excess of 200 knots (370 km/h or 230 miles/h). Design and capabili ...

, 1977 * Hoot, believed to be reverse-engineered from the VA-111 Shkval, 2006 *

Superkavitierender Unterwasserlaufkörper The Superkavitierender Unterwasserlaufkörper (lit. ''Supercavitating Underwater Running Body,'' formerly known as Barracuda) was a German close-range supercavitating torpedo technology demonstrator designed by the ''Diehl BGT Defence'' (now '' D ...

(Supercavitating underwater-travelling munition) Barracuda, 2005 prototype * Unnamed prototype, mentioned 2004 * Supercavitating underwater vehicle, being developed by the ADD, undergoing trials since 2025

DARPA The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Originally known as the Adva ...

also considered building supercavitating

minisub A midget submarine is any submarine under 150 tons, typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to six or nine, with little or no on-board living accommodation. They normally work with mother ships, from which they are launched an ...

s dubbed "Underwater Express". (2009) Defense Tech

References

“Ventilated Supercavitation.” Ventilated Supercavitation , Cavitation and Bubbly Flows, cav.safl.umn.edu/ventilated-supercavitation. Accessed 31 May 2025. * {{Missile-stub