Mark 46 torpedo
| Mark 46 torpedo | |
|---|---|
 A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Mustin. |
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| Type | Lightweight torpedo |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1967(Mod 0) 1979(Mod 5) |
| Used by | United States Navy
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| Production history | |
| Designer | Alliant Techsystems |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 508 lb (231 kg) |
| Length | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) |
| Diameter | 12.75 inch(324 mm) |
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| Warhead | PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge) |
| Warhead weight | 96.8 lb (44 kg) |
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| Engine | Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion |
| Propellant | Mono-propellant(Otto fuel II) |
| Operational range |
12,000 yd (11 km) |
| Maximum depth | > 1,200 ft (365 m) |
| Speed | 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h) |
| Guidance system |
Active or passive/active Acoustic homing |
| Launch platform |
Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, ASW Aircraft, RUM-139 VL-ASROC |
Designed to attack high-performance submarines, the Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the U.S. Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory, and is the current NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes, 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).
Contents |
[edit] General characteristics, Mark 46 Mod 5
- Primary Function: Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo[1]
- 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),[2] 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m) with ASROC rocket booster[1]
- Weight: 508 lb (231 kg)[1] (warshot configuration)
- Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)[2]
- Range: 12,000 yd (11 km)[1]
- Depth: > 1,200 ft (365 m)
- Speed: > 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)[1]
- Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing[2]
- Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
- Warhead: 96.8 lb (44 kg)[1] of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
- Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0);[1] 1979 (Mod 5)
[edit] Yu-7 Torpedo
The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 mod 2.[3] Currently the Chinese navy use the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters.[4]
[edit] See also
- CAPTOR mine (a sea mine which incorporates a Mk 46 torpedo)
- MU90 Impact torpedo
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g Thomas, Vincent C. The Almanac of Seapower 1987 Navy League of the United States (1987) ISBN 0-9610724-8-2 pp.190-191
- ^ a b c 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)
[edit] External links
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