U.S. Navy Fact Sheet

MK 46 - Torpedo

Description
The MK 46 torpedo, first introduced in 1965, is a surface ship and aircraft-launched anti-submarine weapon. It is the NATO standard light-weight torpedo 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).