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MK 48 - Heavyweight Torpedo | | | Description
The MK 48 heavyweight torpedo is used by all classes of submarines as their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) weapon. In recent years, the Navy has taken to viewing the MK 48 as a modular weapon and has undertaken efforts to improve specific areas including its propulsion, guidance, and homing systems. With a need to continue torpedo performance upgrade programs to counter continuously evolving threats, the Navy developed the MK 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) upgrade.
The MK 48 ADCAP torpedo is the replacement for the MK 48 Mod 4 torpedo. Authorized for full production in 1990, the ADCAP counters surface and submarine threats with greater speed and accuracy than previous torpedoes. It is a heavyweight acoustic-homing torpedo with sophisticated sonar, all-digital guidance-and-control systems, digital fusing systems, and propulsion improvements. Its digital guidance system allows for repeated improvements to counter evolving threats through software upgrades. The last new ADCAP torpedo was delivered in 1996.
The MK 48 ADCAP Mod 6 torpedo combines two significant enhancements: one in guidance and control (G&C Mod), and the other in the torpedo propulsion unit (TPU Mod). The G&C Mod improves the acoustic receiver, replaces the guidance-and-control set with updated technology, increases memory, and improves processor throughput to handle the expanded software demands required to improve torpedo performance against evolving threats. The TPU Mod provides a tactically significant reduction in torpedo radiated-noise signatures. The MK 48 Mod 6 torpedo reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 1997 and the latest improvement was fielded in 2009. The Mod 6 is also the first torpedo that can utilize the Torpedo Downloader System (TD) that can provide rapid software updates to embarked weapons, allowing the submarine to deploy with the most up-to-date software variant.
The MK 48 ADCAP Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo is optimized for both the deep and littoral waters and has advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities. The MK 48 ADCAP Mod 7 (CBASS) torpedo is the result of a Joint Development Program with the Royal Australian Navy and reached Initial Operational Capability in 2006. Current improvement efforts are focusing on improving CBASS performance in shallow water against the most challenging of targets.
| | | Point Of Contact
Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, D.C. 20376
| | | General Characteristics, MK 48
| | Primary Function: Heavyweight Torpedo | | Contractor: Raytheon / Lockheed Martin | | Propulsion: piston engine; pump jet | | Diameter: 21 inches | | Weight: 3,520 pounds | | Speed: Greater than 28 knots (32.2 mph, 51.52 kph | | Range: more than 5 miles | | Depth: Greater than 1,200 ft (365.76 meters) | | Warhead: 650 pounds, high-explosive | | | | Last Update: 18 November 2011 | | |
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