Mk-46 Torpedo 12.75" inch 324 mm

Surface Vessel Weapon System
Mk-46 Torpedo

The Mk-46 torpedo, first introduced in 1965, is a surface ship and aircraft-launched anti-submarine weapon. It is presently identified as the NATO standard and has been acquired by more than 25 countries. Various modifications, including improved acoustics, guidance and control upgrades, and countermeasure-detection capability have been introduced into the weapon.

The resultant Mk-46 Mod 5A(S) torpedo, an active or passive/active, dual-speed torpedo, is the ASW weapon for surface ships and ASW fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The Mk-46 Mod 5A (SW) (Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) torpedo was introduced to the fleet in September 1996. The Mk-46 SLEP has improved counter-countermeasure performance, enhanced target acquisition, a bottom-avoidance preset, and improved maintainability and reliability. The Mk-46 Mod 5A (SW) also serves as the payload for the Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) (VLA).

General characteristics, 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 (4.5 m) with ASROC rocket booster
Weight: 508 lb (231 kg) (warshot configuration)
Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)
Range: 12,000 yd (11 km)
Depth: > 1,200 ft (365 m)
Speed: > 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)
Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing
Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
Warhead: 96.8 lb (44 kg) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
Date Deployed: 1967 (Mod 0); 1979 (Mod 5)

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1994

Mk-46 Mod.5A recoverable exercise torpedo (REXTORP) was loaded into a Mk-32 12.75" (324mm) torpedo tube

Mk-46 Mod.5A recoverable exercise torpedo (REXTORP) was loaded into a Mk-32 torpedo tube aboard USS O’Kane (DDG 77)

mk-46 torpedo mk-32 torpedo tubes svtt