Iran displayed its Hoot (Whale) high-speed rocket-torpedo during an exhibition by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGN) on 3 October. The existence of the Hoot was first revealed in 2006 when Iran released a video of a test launch from a floating platform.
It is identical to the Russian's VA-111 Shkval (Squall) supercavitating torpedo that was developed in 1970s. There are eight jet nozzles at the rear and four stabilisation fins as for the VA-111.
Launched from a standard 533 mm torpedo tube, the Hoot creates an air pocket around itself, thereby reducing water drag. The rocket engine is then able to propel it to speeds of up to 370 km/h (200 knots). The high speed makes it a deadly weapon as it is difficult to out-manoeuvre.
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