Mark 46 torpedo
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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 torpedoes, such as the Mark 46 Mod 5, is 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).
[edit] General characteristics, 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)
- Weight: 517.6 lb (234.8 kg) (warshot configuration)
- Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)
- Range: 8,000 yd (7.3 km)
- Depth: > 1,200 ft (365 m)
- Speed: > 28 knots (32 mi/h, 52 km/h)
- Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing
- Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
- Warhead: 98 lb (44.5 kg) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
- Date Deployed: 1966 (Mod 0); 1979 (Mod 5)
[edit] Yu-7 Torpedo
The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 mod 1 block 2. [1] Currently the Chinese navy use the Yu-7 primarily as an ASW torpedo, deployed on ships and ASW helicopters. [2]
After the Sino-Soviet split, the Chinese navy was cut off from Soviet assistance, and gradually lagged behind in technology. By the 1970's the Chinese navy was in poor condition and desperately needed new ships and weapon systems. It was reported that in October 1978, a Chinese fishing veseel had "salvaged" an US Mk 46 torpedo in the South China sea. This torpedo was most likely provided by the US as clandestine military aid.
The salvaged torpedo was sent to the 705 Institute for study and reverse-engineering (Project 109). The first prototypes were produced in 1984, and by 1989 a total of 68 sea-launch tests had been conducted. The torpedo entered service in 1990s and is now equipped on many Chinese navy ships.
