Detonate Karlsruhe!

The Military Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71) conducted detonation tests with the decommissioned frigate "Karlsruhe" in the restricted area of Schönhagen in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday afternoon. The tests provide results on the effects of explosives and sea mines, delivering important data for the construction of future naval ships. The goal is to increase the safety for crews based on the knowledge gained from these tests.

To examine the effects on the ship's outer hull, extensive sensors and recording devices are installed on the ship. Additionally, the ship is measured using special methods to detect and determine deformations. Furthermore, "Crash Test Dummies" - shown in the image above - are used, whose sensitive sensors make the effects of the explosive force on humans measurable.

Extensive preparations and approvals preceded the detonations. The Bundeswehr contacted the Ministry of the Environment of the state of Schleswig-Holstein early on. The corresponding permit for detonation was issued on October 9, 2024. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) was also involved in the planning and protective measures for the maritime environment.

Using the Bubble Curtain

In coordination, in addition to using a double bubble curtain, WTD 71 also conducts extensive acoustic and optical monitoring and deterrence measures to take all necessary measures to protect the underwater and animal world. Several ships will be additionally deployed for this purpose. The bubble curtain dampens the pressure wave of the detonation and significantly reduces the range of the pressure wave, so that the majority of the harmful pressure effects remain within the area enclosed by the double bubble curtain. This ensures that the impact on the marine environment is minimized.

By November 4, 2024, a total of two detonations with increasing levels of explosives are planned with the ex-"Karlsruhe" - cables laid for measurements are shown in the image. Furthermore, additional annual detonations are planned until 2028.

WTD 71 is part of the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). The center covers the entire range of maritime military technology in all stages of the development process of military equipment. The activities are primarily focused on the overall ship system and the interaction of different components on and with this system in a maritime environment.

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