Mark 46 torpedo | |
---|---|
A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Mustin. | |
Type | Lightweight antisubmarine torpedo[1] |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service |
• Mod 0: 1963[1] • Mod 5: 1979 |
Used by | See users |
Production history | |
Designer |
Naval Ordnance Test Station Pasadena[1] Aerojet[1] Alliant Techsystems |
Designed | 1960[1] |
Manufacturer |
Aerojet[1] Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park Honeywell Raytheon[2] |
Variants |
Mod 0[1] Mod 1 Mod 5 Mod 5A Mod 5A(S) Mod 5A(SW)[2] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 508 lb (230.4 kg) |
Length | 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m) |
Diameter | 12.75 in (323.8 mm) |
| |
Warhead | PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge) |
Warhead weight | 96.8 lb (43.9 kg) |
| |
Engine | Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion |
Propellant | Otto fuel II |
Operational range | 12,000 yd (10,972.8 m) |
Maximum depth | >1,200 ft (365.8 m) |
Maximum speed | >40 kn (74.1 km/h; 46.0 mph) |
Guidance system | Active or passive/active Acoustic homing |
Launch platform | Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, ASW Aircraft, RUM-139 VL-ASROC |
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 the year 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[3]
- 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),[4] 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m) with ASROC rocket booster[3]
- Weight: 508 lb (231 kg)[3] (warshot configuration)
- Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)[4]
- Range: 12,000 yd (11 km)[3]
- Depth: > 1,200 ft (365 m)
- Speed: > 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)[3]
- Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing[4]
- Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
- Warhead: 96.8 lb (44 kg)[3] of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
- Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0);[3] 1979 (Mod 5)
Yu-7 variant[]
The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 Mod 2.[5] Currently, the Chinese Navy use the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters.[6]
Users[]
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- People's Republic of China
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Portugal
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States[7]
See also[]
- CAPTOR mine (a sea mine which incorporates a Mk 46 torpedo)
- MU90 Impact torpedo
- Mark 50 torpedo
- Mark 54 MAKO Lightweight Torpedo
- Stingray torpedo
References[]
- Citations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mk46". http://www.hnsa.org/doc/jolie/part2.htm. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Thomas, Vincent C. The Almanac of Seapower 1987 Navy League of the United States (1987) ISBN 0-9610724-8-2 pp.190-191
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Polmar, Norman "The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet: Torpedoes" United States Naval Institute Proceedings November 1978 p.160
- ↑ Chinese Defence Today, “YU-7 Anti-Submarine Torpedo”
- ↑ (Chinese language)
- ↑ Weapon - Mk. 46 torpedo
External links[]
- DiGiulian, Tony, Navweaps.com: USA Torpedoes
- Unofficial U.S. Navy Site: MK-46 Torpedo
- FAS: MK-46 Torpedo
The original article can be found at Mark 46 torpedo and the edit history here.