Mark 46 torpedo

Updated on Oct 10, 2024

Edit

Comment

Place of origin United States Designed 1960		Used by See operators

Type Lightweight antisubmarine torpedo In service • Mod 0: 1963• Mod 5: 1979 Designer Naval Ordnance Test Station PasadenaAerojetAlliant Techsystems

The Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the United States Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory, and is the current NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes are designed to attack high-performance submarines, and current variants, such as the Mark 46 Mod 5, are expected to remain in service until 2015. In 1989, a major upgrade program for the Mod 5 began to improve its shallow-water performance, resulting in the Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).

Design details

Mark 46, Mod 5

Primary Function: Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo

Contractor: Alliant Techsystems

Power Plant: Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II)

Length: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) tube launch configuration (from ship), 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m) with ASROC rocket booster

Weight: 508 lb (231 kg) (warshot configuration)

Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)

Range: 12,000 yd (11 km)

Depth: > 1,200 ft (365 m)

Speed: > 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)

Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing

Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search

Warhead: 96.8 lb (44 kg) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)

Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0); 1979 (Mod 5)

Yu-7 variant

The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 Mod 2. Currently, the Chinese Navy use the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters.