Mark 46 torpedo

In this article, the topic of Mark 46 torpedo will be addressed, which has generated great interest and controversy in recent times. Mark 46 torpedo is a topic that has captured the attention of people of all ages and backgrounds, since its relevance transcends borders and contexts. Since its emergence, Mark 46 torpedo has sparked much debate and has been the subject of study and analysis by experts and hobbyists alike. In this article, different aspects related to Mark 46 torpedo will be explored, including its origin, evolution, impact and possible future implications. Likewise, different perspectives and opinions on Mark 46 torpedo will be examined, with the aim of offering a complete and balanced view on this topic.

Mk 46 is also the designation of the Mk 46 Mod 0 variant of the M249 light machine gun
Mark 46 torpedo
A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Moosbrugger.
TypeLightweight anti-submarine torpedo
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service• Mod 0: 1963
• Mod 5: 1979
Used bySee operators
Production history
DesignerNaval Ordnance Test Station Pasadena
Aerojet
Alliant Techsystems
Designed1960
ManufacturerAerojet
Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park
Honeywell
Raytheon
VariantsMod 0
Mod 1
Mod 2
Mod 5
Mod 5A
Mod 5A(S)
Mod 5A(SW)
Specifications
Mass508 lb (230 kg)
Length8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Diameter12.75 in (323.8 mm)
WarheadPBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
Warhead weight96.8 lb (43.9 kg)
EngineTwo-speed, reciprocating external combustion
PropellantOtto fuel II
Operational
range
12,000 yd (11,000 m)
Maximum depth>1,200 ft (370 m)
Maximum speed >40 kn (74 km/h; 46 mph)
Guidance
system
Active or passive/active acoustic homing
Launch
platform
Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, ASW Aircraft, RUM-139 VL-ASROC
A Mark 46 Mod 5A torpedo is inspected aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin.
A French Lynx. helicopter carrying a Mk 46 torpedo.
A P-8A Poseidon of VP-16 dropping a Mark 46 torpedo

The Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the United States Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory and is the NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes are designed to attack high-performance submarines. In 1989, an improvement program for the Mod 5 to the Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S) increased its shallow-water performance. The Mark 46 was initially developed as Research Torpedo Concept I (RETORC I), one of several weapons recommended for implementation by Project Nobska, a 1956 summer study on submarine warfare.

Design details

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), 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m) with ASROC rocket booster
  • Weight: 508 lb (230 kg) (warshot configuration)
  • Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)
  • Range: 12,000 yd (11,000 m)
  • Depth: > 1,200 ft (370 m)
  • Speed: > 40 kn (74 km/h; 46 mph)
  • Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing
  • Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
  • Warhead: 96.8 lb (43.9 kg) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
  • Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0); 1979 (Mod 5)

Yu-7 variant

The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 Mod 2. The Chinese Navy used the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters, but it started to be replaced by the Yu-11 in 2012.

Operators

See also

References

Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mk46". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  2. ^ a b "The US Navy Fact File: Mark 46 Torpedo". 27 November 2012. Archived from the original on 20 March 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  3. ^ Friedman, Norman (1994). U.S. Submarines Since 1945: An Illustrated Design History. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 109-114. ISBN 1-55750-260-9.
  4. ^ 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
  5. ^ a b c Polmar, Norman "The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet: Torpedoes" United States Naval Institute Proceedings November 1978 p.160
  6. ^ (Chinese language) Archived 2006-11-02 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Undersea dragon: Chinese ASW capabilities advance" (PDF). Jane's. 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  8. ^ "Frigate Lot 3A - Torpedoes Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy". www.phdefenseresource.com. 3 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Mk 46 torpedo - Weaponsystems.net". www.weaponsystems.net.

External links

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia