OVERVIEW: The A.184 Mod 1 is an Italian submarine-launched, heavyweight, wire-guided torpedo introduced in 1975. It was designed to engage both submarines and surface ships using a dual-mode acoustic seeker and mid-course wire guidance.

DETAILS: The designation “A.184 Mod 1” refers to the improved version of the original A.184 torpedo, adapted specifically for submarine use. It retained the 533 mm diameter and electric propulsion system powered by silver-zinc batteries, offering low acoustic signature and operational flexibility. The Mod 1 featured enhancements in guidance accuracy, control electronics, and reliability compared to the base model. Equipped with active/passive acoustic homing and wire-guidance, it was Italy’s first standard submarine torpedo and remained in service until replaced by the Black Shark.

TYPE: Heavyweight wire-guided acoustic torpedo

FUNCTION: The A.184 Mod 1 is launched from a submerged submarine and guided via wire during mid-course, allowing manual course updates. In the terminal phase, it switches to passive or active homing to strike submarines or surface ships with a contact-fuzed high-explosive warhead.

NOTE:
IOC: 1975 (A.184 Mod 1)
Operators: Italy
Platforms: Sauro-class submarines (early series)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use
Manufacturer: Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), Italy

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 ; Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei Archives