OVERVIEW: The E15 is a French export variant of the E12 lightweight, passive acoustic-homing anti-ship torpedo. It was designed in the 1960s for use by export customers requiring a compact 55 cm torpedo.

DETAILS: “E” designates France’s series of electric torpedoes; “15” marks the export model based on the E12. The E15 is a lengthened version of the E14 Mod 1 with increased fuel capacity, allowing greater range. It uses nickel–cadmium battery–powered electric propulsion and supports passive-only acoustic homing via a hull sonar seeker. The torpedo is 5.9 m long, 0.55 m in diameter, and carries a larger warhead (~300 kg) compared to the E14 .

TYPE: Lightweight Anti-Ship Torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from submarines or surface vessels, the E15 runs a preset search pattern and homes passively on surface ship noise until impact. It lacks wire guidance or active sonar.

NOTE:
IOC: 1960s (exported during 1970s)
Manufacturer: France (originally Alcatel; production by ACAN under DCN) 
Operators: Export customers (e.g., Portugal)
Platforms: Daphne‑class submarines (export variants)

SOURCE: Naval Encyclopedia – Daphné class: https://naval-encyclopedia.com/cold-war/france/daphne-class-submarines.php ; Jane’s Naval Weapons Systems (1997) – “Torpedoes, France (E15)” ; CMO Database – https://cmano-db.com/weapon/2222/