MK-46 torpedo

The MK-46 is a U.S. Navy lightweight anti-submarine torpedo introduced in 1965 and documented as a surface ship- and aircraft-launched weapon. Navy fact files list Raytheon as contractor, and the DDG 51 fact file shows Arleigh Burke-class destroyers carrying six MK-46 torpedoes from two triple tube mounts.

MK-46 torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions

Image source: USN MK-46 Mod 5 lightweight torpedo.jpg

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon
Type: Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo
Service note: Introduced in 1965; later superseded by the MK 54 family in U.S. Navy service
Variants: MK 46 MOD 5A(S), MK 46 MOD 5A(SW)
Developed into: MK 54 lightweight torpedo

naval NATOanti-submarineair-launchedtorpedo

Specifications

Primary function: Lightweight torpedo
Propulsion: Liquid propellant
Length: 102.4 inches
Diameter: 12.75 inches
Weight: 518 pounds
Warhead: 100 pounds high-explosive
Launch platform: Surface ships and aircraft

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: First introduced in 1965; the Navy fact file lists current MK 46 MOD 5A(S) and MK 46 MOD 5A(SW) variants.
Used by: United States Navy

Carrier Platforms

The DDG 51 fact file lists six MK-46 torpedoes carried from two triple tube mounts in the Arleigh Burke class armament summary.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer

Guided-missile destroyer

The DDG 51 fact file lists six MK-46 torpedoes from two triple tube mounts in the class armament summary.

Sources: Destroyers (DDG 51)

MK-46 torpedo Images

MK-46 torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 1 — Source: USN MK-46 Mod 5 lightweight torpedo.jpg

MK-46 torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 2 — Source: SH-3H HS-4 drops Mk 46 torpedo 1987.JPEG

MK-46 torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 3 — Source: US Navy MK-46 torpedo launch from USS Preble DDG 88.jpg

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Sources

MK 46 - Lightweight TorpedoPublisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports the MK-46's 1965 introduction, Raytheon contractor context, surface-ship and aircraft launch role, and baseline specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo | RTXPublisher: RTX | Note: Supports MK 54 successor-lineage context by stating the MK 54 combines the legacy warhead and propulsion system of the older MK 46. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Destroyers (DDG 51)Publisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer armament summary that lists six MK-46 torpedoes from two triple tube mounts. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 USN MK-46 Mod 5 lightweight torpedo.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the primary MK-46 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 SH-3H HS-4 drops Mk 46 torpedo 1987.JPEGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the helicopter-drop gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 US Navy MK-46 torpedo launch from USS Preble DDG 88.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the destroyer-launch gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23