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Mark 23 torpedo
Mark 14 torpedo side view and interior mechanisms, Torpedoes Mark 14 and 23 Types, OP 635, March 24 1945
Mark 14 torpedo side view and interior mechanisms; the Mark 14 and Mark 23 were physically identical and shared the same maintenance manual[1]
Type Anti-surface ship torpedo[2]
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 1943–1946[2]
Used by Flag of the United States United States Navy
Wars World War II
Production history
Designer Naval Torpedo Station Newport
Designed 1943[2]
Manufacturer Naval Torpedo Station Newport
Naval Torpedo Station Keyport
Naval Ordnance Plant St. Louis
No. built 9600[2]
Specifications
Mass 3259 pounds[2]
Length 246 inches[2]
Diameter 21 inches[2]

Effective firing range 4500 yards[2]
Warhead Mk 16 Mod 6, HBX[2]
Warhead weight 643 pounds[2]
Detonation
mechanism
Mk 6 Mod 13 contact exploder[2]

Engine Turbine[2]
Maximum speed 46.3 knots[2]
Guidance
system
Gyroscope[2]
Launch
platform
Submarines[2]

The Mark 23 torpedo was a submarine-launched anti-surface ship torpedo designed and built by the Naval Torpedo Station for the United States Navy in World War II. It was essentially a Mark 14 torpedo, modified via the removal of its low-speed, long-range setting, leaving the high-speed, short-range feature in place.[1]

It was developed with the high-speed feature of the Mark 14 torpedo in mind, as earlier in the war, the low-speed feature of the Mark 14 was rarely used. However, during the latter stages of the war, fewer targets and better tactics necessitated firing from longer ranges and the Mark 14, with its low-speed, long-range feature, became the preferred weapon. Many of the Mark 23s were scrapped or converted to Mark 14s, while other units were cannibalized for spare parts.[2]

References[]

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