OVERVIEW: The DM2A1 Seeaal is a West German heavyweight, ship-launched, wire-guided passive acoustic torpedo introduced in 1976. It was developed specifically for anti-ship warfare from fast attack craft operating in coastal and confined waters.

DETAILS: The designation “DM2A1” indicates the first major production model of the DM2 family, with “Seeaal” meaning “Sea Eel” in German. Designed by AEG-Telefunken, the torpedo was intended for launch from stern-mounted 533 mm torpedo tubes on German fast attack boats. It used an electric propulsion system powered by silver-zinc batteries, contra-rotating propellers, and a 250 kg warhead. The guidance system combined wire control in the initial phase with a passive acoustic seeker in the terminal phase. It had selectable speeds of 18, 23, or 35 knots, with a range between 12 and 28 km depending on speed.

TYPE: Heavyweight wire-guided passive acoustic torpedo

FUNCTION: The DM2A1 is launched from a surface ship and guided via wire toward the general vicinity of the enemy vessel. It then activates its passive seeker to home in on the acoustic signature of the target and detonates beneath the keel via proximity or contact fuze.

NOTE:
IOC: 1970 (DM2), 1976 (DM2A1 Seeaal)
Operators: West Germany
Manufacturer: AEG-Telefunken, Germany
Platforms: Type 142 Zobel-class, Type 143 Albatros-class fast attack craft
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 ; WeaponsSystems.net: https://www.weaponsystems.net/system/1977-DM2A1+Seeaal ; Scribd - German Torpedoes Post WWII: https://www.scribd.com/document/396652033/OpenSourceIntelligenceProject2011-Naval-v1-pdf