The RBU-6000 Smerch-2 is a 213 mm caliber Soviet anti-submarine rocket launcher. It is similar in principle to the Royal Navy Hedgehog system used during the Second World War. The system entered service in 1960–1961 and is fitted to a wide range of Russian surface vessels. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of twelve launch barrels, that are remotely directed by the Burya fire control system. It fires RGB-60 rockets, which carry unguided depth charges. The rockets are normally fired in salvos of 1, 2, 4, 8 or 12 rounds. Reloading is automatic, with individual rounds being fed into the launcher by the 60UP loading system from a below deck magazine. Typical magazine capacity is either 72 or 96 rounds per launcher. It can also be used for shore bombardment.
RBU-6000 system
A RBU-6000 rocket launcher aboard an Udaloy-class destroyer
Polish corvette Kaszub firing a RBU-6000 rocket depth charge
Indian frigate Trikand, completed in 2013, with its RBU-6000 launcher and BrahMos VLS, visiting Portsmouth, UK, on its delivery voyage from St Petersburg.
The Hedgehog was a forward-throwing anti-submarine weapon that was used primarily during the Second World War. The device, which was developed by the Royal Navy, fired up to 24 spigot mortars ahead of a ship when attacking a U-boat. It was deployed on convoy escort warships such as destroyers and corvettes to supplement the depth charges.
On HMS Westcott, November 1945
USS Moberly makes a Hedgehog attack against U-853 in 1945.
A large white upwelling of water from an underwater explosion just ahead of Moberly's bow following Hedgehog launch
USS Sarsfield after firing dual Hedgehogs, 1950