"This weapon was designed in the 1960s and is effectively a lengthened version of the E14 Mod 1. The weapon was developed during the 1970s under the direction of Alcatel (Societe Alsacienne de Constructions Atomoques de Telecommunication et d'Electronique) later CIT-Alcatel and finally Sintra-Alcatel. Programme direction was later transferred to DCN International although the weapon is manufactured by ACAN, Saint Tropez.

As with the E14 this weapon was designed for use by both surface warships and submarines."