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The Mark 48 torpedo is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear-powered submarines and high performance surface ships. It is carried by all U.S. Navy submarines. The improved version, Mk-48 ADCAP, is carried by attack submarines, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and the Seawolf-class attack submarines. The Mk-48 replaced both the Mk-37 and Mk-14 torpedoes. The Mk-48 has been operational since 1972. Mk-48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989. Mk. 48 is designed to detonate under the keel of a surface ship, breaking the ship's back and destroying her strength.
Mk-48 and Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target. The MK-46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
- General Characteristics, Mk-48, Mk-48 (ADCAP)
- Primary Function: Heavyweight torpedo for submarines
- Contractor: Gould
- Power Plant: Piston engine; pump jet
- Length: 5.79 m (19 ft)
- Weight: 1545.3 kg (3,434 lb) (MK-48); 1662.75 kg (3,695 lb) (MK-48 ADCAP)
- Diameter: 53.34 cm (21 in)
- Range: Greater than 8 km (5 mi)
- Depth: Greater than 365 m (1,200 ft)
- Speed: Greater than 28 kn (32.2 mi/h, 51.8 km/h)
- Guidance System: Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing
- Warhead: 292.5 kg (650 lb) high explosive
U.S. Navy munitions
Torpedoes
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