OVERVIEW: The DM1 Seeschlange is a West German lightweight, submarine-launched, wire-guided acoustic torpedo introduced in 1976. It was specifically developed for anti-submarine warfare from Type 206 coastal submarines operating in shallow waters.

DETAILS: The designation “DM1” stands for “Deutsches Modell 1,” and “Seeschlange” means “Sea Serpent” in German. Developed by AEG-Telefunken, it was West Germany’s first postwar torpedo and tailored for use in the constrained environments of the Baltic Sea. The DM1 had a 533 mm diameter, weighed approximately 1,370 kg, and used electric propulsion powered by silver-zinc batteries. It featured active acoustic homing in the terminal phase, with wire guidance and a re-attack capability, a 100 kg high-explosive warhead, a 6 km maximum range, and a top speed of around 33 knots.

TYPE: Lightweight wire-guided acoustic torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from submarines, the DM1 is wire-guided during its initial phase toward the target area. It then activates its active sonar seeker to autonomously detect and engage enemy submarines, detonating on impact and capable of re-engaging if the first approach fails.

NOTE:
IOC: 1976 (DM1 Seeschlange)
Operators: West Germany
Manufacturer: AEG-Telefunken, Germany
Platforms: Type 206 submarines
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 ; German Torpedoes Post World War II (via Scribd): https://www.scribd.com/document/396652033/OpenSourceIntelligenceProject2011-Naval-v1-pdf