Munitions

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.

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Introduced in 1965; later superseded by the MK 54 family in U.S. Navy service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
navalNATOanti-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.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerGuided-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

Related Weapon Systems

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Sources