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Surface Vessel Weapon System Mk-50 Torpedo |
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The Mk-50 torpedo is a highly capable undersea weapon for U.S. Navy
surface ships and aircraft. Developed to replace the Mk-46 torpedo,
it was first authorized for fleet use in October 1992. The Mk-50 is
designed to counter the fast, deep-diving, double-hulled nuclear
submarine threat. Relative to the
Mk-46, the Mk-50 has increased range, more sophisticated
counter-countermeasure logic, and greater lethality, speed, depth,
and endurance. Major technological advances include a Stored
Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS). Another significant
advantage is that the weapon’s tactics and signal processing are
software driven. A Mk-50 software block upgrade program was
conducted in the mid-1990s to enhance the Mk-50’s shallow water
performance. General Characteristics: Contractor: Alliant Techsystems, Westinghouse Propulsion: Stored chemical energy propulsion system; pump-jet Length: 9.5 feet (2,85 meters) Diameter: 12.75 inches (324 mm) Weight: 800 pounds (approx.) (360 kg) Speed: 40+ knots (74 km/h) Guidance System: Active/passive acoustic homing Warhead: Approx. 100 pounds conventional |
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 Mk-50 training torpedo was launched from a Mk-32 torpedo tube aboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) |
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Weapon Systems
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