L3 or L5 type torpedo

Also known as

L3 torpedo
L5 torpedo
L3 or L5 torpedo
DTCN L3 torpedo
DTCN L5 torpedo
L5 Mod 1
L5 Mod 3
L5 Mod 4

The L3 or L5 type torpedo is a French DTCN-built anti-submarine torpedo family used from fixed catapults on surface ships. The L3 was an active-homing weapon, while the later L5 series added wire-guided active/passive variants and heavier ship-attack options.

L3 or L5 type torpedo, Fixed-catapult-launched torpedo, Munitions

Image source: Wikimedia Commons: Lancement torpille L3 3.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: France
Built by: DTCN
Type: Fixed-catapult-launched torpedo
Service note: Cold War

naval torpedo anti-submarine warfare surface warfare

Specifications

Caliber: 550 mm
Weight: 910 kg (L3); 1,300 kg (L5)
Speed: 25 knots (L3); 35 knots (L5)
Range: 5,500 m (L3); 7,700 m (L5)
Warhead: 200 kg (L3); 150 kg (L5)
Guidance: Active homing (L3); wire-guided active/passive homing (L5)
Propulsion: Electric

Carrier Platforms

The family was carried on French surface ships with fixed catapult launchers.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso, Aviso / light corvette class, Naval Systems

D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso

Aviso / light corvette class

Public class references list four fixed catapults for L3 or L5 type torpedoes in the D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso armament fit.

Sources: Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso

Media

L3 or L5 type torpedo Images

L3 or L5 type torpedo, Fixed-catapult-launched torpedo, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Wikimedia Commons: L5 Mod 4 torpido.JPG

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Sources

USNI: Professional Notes (January 1991)Publisher: United States Naval Institute | Note: Supports the DTCN manufacturer context and the L3/L5 family specifications for weight, speed, range, warhead, guidance, and propulsion. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves-class avisoPublisher: Seaforces.org | Note: Supports the D'Estienne d'Orves-class relation to four fixed catapults for L3 or L5 torpedoes. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons: Lancement torpille L3 3.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the L3 launch photograph used as the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons: L5 Mod 4 torpido.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the L5 display image in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27