OVERVIEW: The SET-40U is a lightweight, electric-powered, acoustic-homing torpedo developed for submarine-launched anti-submarine warfare. It was designed by the Soviet Union to engage enemy submarines from short ranges using passive and active sonar tracking.

DETAILS: The acronym "SET" stands for "Samonavodyashchayasya Elektrotorpeda" (self-guided electric torpedo), and "U" denotes "Universal" or upgraded configuration. The SET-40U was a submarine-launched evolution of the original SET-40, adapted for internal tube launch from Soviet submarines. It retained electric propulsion and used active/passive acoustic homing, allowing it to track submerged targets under various underwater conditions. It was a key step in the transition toward more advanced Soviet lightweight ASW torpedoes during the Cold War.

The SET-40U (also referred to as MGT-1 or NATO SET-40-62) introduced compatibility with 533 mm submarine torpedo tubes and improved its control surfaces and guidance package for better maneuverability and accuracy. It also included enhancements to sonar performance and underwater endurance.

TYPE: Lightweight Anti-Submarine Guided Torpedo

FUNCTION: After launch from a submarine’s 533 mm tube, the SET-40U activates its active/passive acoustic seeker to detect and home in on submerged submarines. It is suited for use in shallow or open waters against slow- or medium-speed underwater targets.

NOTE:
IOC: 1961 (SET-40), 1970 (SET-40U / MGT-1)
Manufacturer: Soviet Union (Gidropribor, Russia)
Operators: Soviet Union
Platforms: Foxtrot-class submarine
Conflict used in: None known

SOURCE:
Jane’s Naval Weapon Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html ; Russian Underwater Weapons Compendium, Military Parade Publishing ; Military-Today: https://www.military-today.com/navy/set_40.htm ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SET-40_torpedo