OVERVIEW: The 53-65 WH is a Soviet submarine-launched, wake-homing heavyweight torpedo introduced in 1968. It was developed to target surface ships by tracking their wake, offering a passive guidance solution with limited early deployment.

DETAILS: The designation “53-65 WH” stands for a 53 cm diameter torpedo of the 1965 design lineage, with “WH” indicating Wake Homing capability. This version was configured for submarine launch, derived from the same family as the surface-launched variant but adapted for 533 mm torpedo tubes aboard Soviet submarines. It used a kerosene-oxidizer thermal propulsion system and a passive wake-homing sensor to engage targets by detecting the wake turbulence of moving ships. Although innovative for its time, the system had limited deployment due to early operational reliability issues and the rapid emergence of more advanced wake-homing torpedoes.

TYPE: Heavyweight wake-homing torpedo

FUNCTION: After launch, the 53-65 WH runs toward the predicted path of a surface ship and then activates its passive wake-homing sensor to follow the ship's wake trail. It is designed to strike the stern or propulsion area of the target for maximum damage, detonating on contact.

NOTE:
IOC: 1965 (53-65 base), 1968 (53-65 WH submarine variant)
Operators: Soviet Union
Platforms: Project 641 (Foxtrot-class), Project 627 (November-class) submarines (limited)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems ; Russian Naval Ordnance Manuals