CAPTOR mine

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The CAPTOR is the United States Navy's primary anti-submarine naval mine. This deep-water mine is laid by ship, aircraft or submarine, and is anchored to the ocean floor. When its sonar detects a hostile submarine, the CAPTOR launches a Mark 46 torpedo.

The name CAPTOR is short for enCAPsulated TORpedo. The CAPTOR was the U.S. Navy's standard anti-submarine mine during the Cold War, having enough computer power to detect the difference in acoustic signature between ships and submarines. When an enemy submarine passes close by, the passive sonar detects it and releases the torpedo, which tracks the sound until it contacts the submarine hull and explodes.

Primary Function: Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo
Type: Aircraft, ship or submarine laid magnetically moored mine
Contractor: Alliant Techsystems
Detection System: Reliable acoustic path (RAP) sound propagation
Guidance System; Homing mode - Active or passive/active acoustic homing
Launch/search mode - Snake or circle search
Power Plant: Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II) fueled
Dimensions:
- Aircraft/Ship laid: 530 mm by 3.68 m (21 by 145 in)
- Submarine laid: 530 mm by 3.35 m (21 by 132 in)
Weight:
- Air or Ship laid: 1077 kg (2370 lb)
- Submarine laid: 935 kg (2056 lb)
Depth Range: Greater than 1,200 ft (370 meters); Officially: "Up to 3000 feet (900 meters)"
Range: 8,000 yards
Speed: Greater than 28 knots (32 mph, 52 km/h)
Explosives: 44 kg (98 lb) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge) torpedo
Date Deployed: 1979