Modular underwater torpedo system

A torpedo apparatus, comprising:

• a propulsion module operable to propel the torpedo apparatus through water;
• a steering module operatively coupled to the propulsion module, the steering module including a plurality of fins which are controllable for controlling a direction of travel of the torpedo apparatus through water;
• a head module operatively coupled to the steering module, the head module including:
• a housing enclosing a piston, the piston carrying an elongate charge of fuel/oxidizer mixture;
• a heat-producing component attached to the charge of a fuel/oxidizer mixture and configured to generate sufficient heat to initiate a fuel/oxidizer reaction upon impact with a vessel's hull;
• a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximal end hingedly attached to the piston and a distal end opposite the proximal end, each of the legs movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
• the distal end of each leg having a fastener element operable to attach to the vessel's hull upon impact with the vessel's hull;
• and
• a spring disposed within the housing for biasing the piston toward the vessel's hull upon impact with and attachment to the vessel's hull;
• and
• a power supply module configured to provide power to the propulsion module, the steering module, and an attached one of the head modules.

A torpedo head module for a torpedo assembly, comprising:

• a housing enclosing a piston, the piston carrying an elongate charge of fuel/oxidizer mixture;
• a heat-producing component attached to the charge of a fuel/oxidizer mixture and configured to generate sufficient heat to initiate a fuel/oxidizer reaction upon impact with a vessel's hull;
• a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximal end hingedly attached to the piston and a distal end opposite the proximal end, each of the legs movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
• the distal end of each leg having a fastener element operable to attach to the vessel's hull upon impact with the vessel's hull;
• and
• a spring disposed within the housing for biasing the piston toward the vessel's hull upon impact with and attachment to the vessel's hull.