Orhont Magnetics CRAW Torpedo

Overview

The CRAW (Compact Rapid Attack Weapon) is a torpedo launched from a Virginia Class submarine. SHAKO partnered with Orhont Magnetics on an SBIR program to develop the electric powerplant — a battery pack and motor sized to fit a 6" diameter, 38" long afterbody and deliver 62 HP for up to 10 minutes. Check out www.orhont.com for the latest news!

The challenge

The existing CRAW propulsion system works, but it's a cost and maintenance driver. The Navy wanted to develop a state-of-the-art electric powerplant that could be a drop in replacement. The physics are tight: 62 HP in a tube not much wider than a softball and under 90 lbs total.

What we did

• Worked with Orhont Magnetics on motor design and packaging for the afterbody form factor
• Evaluated battery chemistries against the CRAW power and volume requirements, including COTS lithium cells and thermal batteries
• Developed a dyno test plan to characterize the full-scale motor and battery pack under real load conditions, running each combination to depletion to identify failure modes
• Coordinated battery supplier sourcing and requirements with prospective industry partners

Outcome

An active SBIR Phase II program, targeting a full-power Navy demonstration with the electric powerplant in the CRAW afterbody form factor.