| Mark 46 torpedo | |
|---|---|
A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Mustin. |
|
| Type | Lightweight torpedo |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1967(Mod 0) 1979(Mod 5) |
| Used by | United States Navy |
| 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) |
|
|
|
| Warhead | PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge) |
| Warhead weight | 96.8 lb (44 kg) |
|
|
|
| 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 |
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 primarily as an ASW torpedo, deployed on ships and ASW helicopters.[4]
|
|||||