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Mark 46 torpedo

Lightweight antisubmarine torpedo From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other weapons designated Mark 46, see Mark 46.

The Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the United States Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory and is the NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes are designed to attack high-performance submarines. In 1989, an improvement program for the Mod 5 to the Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S) increased its shallow-water performance. The Mark 46 was initially developed as Research Torpedo Concept I (RETORC I), one of several weapons recommended for implementation by Project Nobska, a 1956 summer study on submarine warfare.[3]

  • Thumb
    A Mark 46 Mod 5A torpedo is inspected aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin.
  • Thumb
    A French Lynx helicopter carrying a Mk 46 torpedo.
  • Thumb
    A P-8A Poseidon of VP-16 dropping a Mark 46 torpedo

Quick Facts Type, Place of origin ...
Mark 46 torpedo
Thumb
A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Moosbrugger.
TypeLightweight anti-submarine torpedo[1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service• Mod 0: 1963[1]
• Mod 5: 1979
Used bySee operators
Production history
DesignerNaval Ordnance Test Station Pasadena[1]
Aerojet[1]
Alliant Techsystems
Designed1960[1]
ManufacturerAerojet[1]
Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park
Honeywell
Raytheon[2]
VariantsMod 0[1]
Mod 1
Mod 2
Mod 5
Mod 5A
Mod 5A(S)
Mod 5A(SW)[2]
Specifications
Mass508 lb (230 kg)
Length8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Diameter12.75 in (323.8 mm)
WarheadPBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
Warhead weight96.8 lb (43.9 kg)
EngineTwo-speed, reciprocating external combustion
PropellantOtto fuel II
Operational
range
12,000 yd (11,000 m)
Maximum depth>1,200 ft (370 m)
Maximum speed >40 kn (74 km/h; 46 mph)
Guidance
system
Active or passive/active acoustic homing
Launch
platform
Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, ASW Aircraft, RUM-139 VL-ASROC
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Design details

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Variants

  • Mod 0: One of the original versions of 1960 (production started 1963). Solid propellent piston engine. Gyro/wire guidance with passive/active homing.[1]
  • Mod 1: Based on Mod 0. 1967. Uses liquid Otto fuel piston engine. Laminar search guidance.[1] Phase 1 of 1968 uses stronger hull to resist deeper waters. Phase 2 of 1971 uses a new homing program able to detect submarines near the surface.[4]
  • Mod 2: Based on Mod 1 phase 2. More powerful Mk 103 Mod 1 warhead. Improved computer with snake search pattern capability.[4] Known to have been captured by China in 1978.[5]
  • Mod 4: Version for use as Mark 60 CAPTOR mine payload.[6][7]
  • Mod 5: 1979 upgrade kit for Mod 2, also known as NEARTIP (near-term improvement program). New passive/active sonar, liquid fuel and two speed engine for low speed search and high speed attack.[4]
    • Mod 5A: Cheaper NEARTIP upgrade kit for Mod 1 and Mod 2 with improved shallow-water performance. 1980s.[4]
    • Mod 5A(S): Variant of 5A that allows use in water as shallow as 40 m.[4]
    • Mod 5A(SW): Latest variant from 1996 Service Life Extension Program.[4] Boasts improved counter-countermeasure performance, enhanced target acquisition, provides a bottom-avoidance preset, and improved maintainability and reliability.[2]
  • Mod 6: Version for Mark 60 CAPTOR, with some NEARTIP components.[6]
  • Mod 7: Cancelled. Not funded by Congress.[8]

For most variants there is also an inert REXTORP (recoverable exercise torpedo) version.

Specifications

Mark 46, Mod 5
  • Primary Function: Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo[9]
  • 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),[10] 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m) with ASROC rocket booster[9]
  • Weight: 508 lb (230 kg)[9] (warshot configuration)
  • Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)[10]
  • Range: 12,000 yd (11,000 m)[9]
  • Depth: > 1,200 ft (370 m)
  • Speed: > 40 kn (74 km/h; 46 mph)[9]
  • Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing[10]
  • Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
  • Warhead: 96.8 lb (43.9 kg)[9] of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
  • Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0);[9] 1979 (Mod 5)

Yu-7 variant

The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 Mod 2. The Chinese Navy used the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters,[11] but it started to be replaced by the Yu-11 in 2012.[5]

Operators

See also

References

External links

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