OVERVIEW: The F17 Mod 1 is a wire-guided, heavyweight torpedo developed for submarine launch, designed for offensive engagement of surface and underwater targets. It was introduced as an early-generation French torpedo with both anti-ship and anti-submarine roles.

DETAILS: The designation "F" stands for "France" and the number indicates its generation within the French torpedo development lineage. The F17 Mod 1 was developed in the early 1970s to equip French nuclear and diesel-electric submarines with a reliable, 550 mm diameter torpedo. It is electrically powered, wire-guided, and capable of deep-water operations, with a conventional high-explosive warhead for disabling enemy vessels. The system was designed to replace earlier-generation unguided or acoustic-only torpedoes, offering increased precision and control during engagement.

The F17 Mod 1 was an improvement over the F17 Mod 0, with enhancements in propulsion reliability and wire-guidance system performance, but retained the same general operational profile and architecture.

TYPE: Heavyweight Torpedo

FUNCTION: The F17 Mod 1 is launched from standard 550 mm submarine torpedo tubes and guided via wire link for mid-course corrections, with passive acoustic homing in terminal phase. It is used primarily against surface ships and submarines in deep or shallow waters.

NOTE:
IOC: 1971 (F17 Mod 0), 1973 (F17 Mod 1)
Manufacturer: DCNS (France)
Operators: France
Platforms: Redoutable-class SSBN, Rubis-class SSN
Conflict used in: None confirmed

SOURCE: Jane’s Naval Weapon Systems ; French Ministry of Armed Forces: https://www.defense.gouv.fr ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems