The DSH Rocket and Launcher System is positioned as a rapid-response, cost-effective alternative to heavyweight torpedoes for close-range anti-submarine warfare. Unlike guided torpedoes, the DSH system uses a ballistic rocket carrying a high-explosive warhead that detonates at a preset depth, creating destructive underwater shockwaves against submerged targets.

Operational Purpose and Role

The system is primarily intended for:

• Littoral and shallow-water operations
• Base and harbor defense
• Patrol vessels and small-to-medium surface combatants
• Rapid engagement of nearby submarine threats

In ASW doctrine, engagement methods typically include heavyweight torpedoes, helicopter-deployed depth charges, and rocket systems. The DSH rocket fills the short-range, immediate-reaction segment of this spectrum.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

Upon sonar detection, the ship’s combat management system calculates the target’s estimated position. The launcher is then oriented automatically or manually toward the target area. After launch:

• The rocket follows a ballistic trajectory.
• It enters the water at a calculated impact point.
• The time-delay fuze triggers detonation at a pre-set depth.

This allows:

• Adjustable detonation depth
• Controlled salvo firing
• Fast response compared to torpedo deployment

Platform Architecture

The system consists of three main components:

• Rocket munition
• Six-tube launcher unit
• Fire control and aiming mechanism

The launcher supports both automatic and manual (backup) guidance. It integrates with the host platform’s sonar and combat management system to perform ballistic calculations.

Survivability and Protection Concept

Since the DSH rocket is unguided and ballistic:

• It is highly resistant to electronic warfare interference
• It does not rely on RF or acoustic seekers
• It is suitable for salvo firing concepts

However, compared to guided torpedoes:

• Its engagement range is shorter
• Target evasion capability depends heavily on sonar accuracy and firing solution quality

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Fast reaction time
• Low procurement and operating cost
• Compact and lightweight design
• Suitable for small naval platforms
• Effective in shallow waters

Limitations:

• Limited range (max 2 km)
• No mid-course or terminal guidance
• Effectiveness dependent on accurate target localization

Deliveries and Operational Status

In 2022, 300 DSH rockets were delivered to the Turkish Navy. The system is operational on Tuzla-class patrol boats.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Diameter: 196 mm
• Length: 1.3 meters
• Rocket weight: 35.5 kg
• Fully loaded launcher (6 rockets): approx. 1200 kg

Propulsion

• Smokeless composite solid propellant
• Unguided ballistic flight profile

Performance

• Engagement range: 500 – 2000 meters
• Operational depth envelope: 15 – 300 meters
• Salvo interval: 0.8 seconds

Reaction time depends on sonar detection and fire control computation. Exact engagement cycle duration is not publicly disclosed.

Warhead

• High-explosive type
• Time-delay fuze
• Adjustable detonation depth

The destructive effect is based on underwater blast shockwave and pressure impact.

Engagement Process

• Sonar detection
• Target localization
• Ballistic solution computation
• Single or salvo firing
• Detonation at pre-set depth

Command and Control

The system integrates with the ship’s combat management system and sonar suite. Specific software architecture and data link standards are not publicly disclosed.

Deployment and Mobility

Thanks to its compact structure, the system can be integrated onto small and medium-sized surface vessels. No confirmed land-based variant is publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DSH system used for?

• It is designed to neutralize submarine threats at short range using high-explosive underwater detonation.

What is its maximum range?

• The maximum engagement range is 2000 meters.

At what depths can it operate?

• It is effective between 15 and 300 meters depth.

Is it guided?

• No. It follows an unguided ballistic trajectory and detonates at a preset depth.

How many rockets does the launcher carry?

• Each launcher carries six rockets.

Which ships use it?

• It is currently deployed on Tuzla-class patrol boats of the Turkish Navy.

What are its equivalents?

• Comparable systems include Soviet/Russian RBU-series ASW rocket launchers. The DSH system differs by offering a modern, lightweight configuration optimized for smaller naval platforms.

Sources

• Roketsan official product brochures and public disclosures
• Turkish Navy publicly available fleet information
• 2022 delivery announcements and defense industry press releases