Mk 46 torpedo

Mark 46 torpedo
A Mk 46 exercise torpedo launched from USS Mustin.
Type	Lightweight antisubmarine torpedo
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	• Mod 0: 1963 • Mod 5: 1979
Used by	See operators
Production history
Designer	Naval Ordnance Test Station Pasadena Aerojet Alliant Techsystems
Designed	1960
Manufacturer	Aerojet Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park Honeywell Raytheon
Variants	Mod 0 Mod 1 Mod 2 Mod 5 Mod 5A Mod 5A(S) Mod 5A(SW)
Specifications
Weight	508 lb (230.4 kg)
Length	8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)
Diameter	12.75 in (323.8 mm)
Warhead	PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
Warhead weight	96.8 lb (43.9 kg)
Engine	Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion
Propellant	Otto fuel II
Operational range	12,000 yd (10,972.8 m)
Maximum depth	>1,200 ft (365.8 m)
Speed	>40 kn (74.1 km/h; 46.0 mph)
Guidance system	Active or passive/active Acoustic homing
Launch platform	Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, ASW Aircraft, RUM-139 VL-ASROC

The Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the United States Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory, and is the current NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes are designed to attack high-performance submarines, and current variants, such as the Mark 46 Mod 5, are expected to remain in service until 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).

The Chinese Yu-7 torpedo is said to be based on the Mk 46 Mod 2. Currently, the Chinese Navy use the Yu-7 ASW torpedo, deployed primarily on ships and ASW helicopters.