OVERVIEW: The TEST-96 (also known as TEST‑71MK) is a heavyweight, wire-guided, submarine-launched torpedo developed in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. It is designed for anti-submarine warfare and was offered for export with multi-mode acoustic homing.

DETAILS: "TEST" refers to Telecontrolled Self-Guided Torpedo, and TEST-96 corresponds to the export version of the TEST-71MK torpedo series. It features a silver-zinc battery-powered electric motor, 533 mm diameter, and a high-explosive warhead of approximately 205 kg. The torpedo uses a wire guidance system for mid-course steering and employs the Keramika acoustic seeker for active/passive terminal homing. Unlike the MKE variant, the TEST-96 lacks confirmed wake-homing capability and is optimized for underwater target engagement only. The torpedo is compatible with standard Soviet 533 mm submarine torpedo tubes and reaches depths up to 400 m.

TYPE: Heavyweight Wire-Guided Anti-Submarine Torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from submarine tubes, the TEST-96 uses wire guidance for mid-course control, followed by acoustic homing to detect and engage hostile submarines. It does not include surface target acquisition modes and is limited to underwater threats.

NOTE:
IOC: Mid-1980s
Manufacturer: Soviet Union (Gidropribor Institute)
Operators: China, Algeria, Vietnam
Platforms: Project 877 Kilo-class submarines (export)
Conflict used in: None confirmed

SOURCE:
WeaponsSystems.net: https://old.weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/HH14%20-%20Type%2053.html ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/torpedoes.htm ; Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems