MK 50 Honeywell torpedo

Also known as

MK-50 torpedo
Mark 50 torpedo
Mark 50 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
MK-50 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
ALWT
Ex-50

The MK 50 Honeywell torpedo is a U.S. Navy lightweight anti-submarine torpedo developed to replace the MK 46 and launched from ASW aircraft or surface combatant torpedo tubes.

MK 50 Honeywell torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions

Image source: Mark 50 Torpedo (cropped)

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Honeywell
Type: Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo
Service note: 1974-1996
Designer: Honeywell-Garrett
Designed: 1974
Unit cost: $2.9 million average unit cost (TY$)
Produced: 1991-1996
Developed from: MK 46 torpedo

naval anti-submarine warfarelightweighttorpedo

Specifications

Length: 112 inches
Diameter: 12.75 inches
Weight: 750 pounds
Speed: 40+ knots
Depth: 1,900+ ft
Guidance system: AKY-14 programmable digital computer with active sonar and passive acoustical homing
Warhead: Approximately 100 pounds high explosive (shaped charge)
Launch platforms: All ASW aircraft and torpedo tubes aboard surface combatant ships

Variants

Block Upgrade I

Launch Platforms

The MK 50 was designed as an air- and surface-launched lightweight anti-submarine torpedo.

Launcher

Launcher type

Launch evidence

Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, Naval Systems

Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship

Freedom-variant littoral combat ship

USS Sioux City is listed with MK 50 Honeywell torpedoes in its armament summary.

Sources: USS Sioux City Naval Historical Evaluation

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Developed as the Navy's next-generation lightweight torpedo; production ended in 1996 after limited procurement.
Used by: United States Navy

Media

MK 50 Honeywell torpedo Images

MK 50 Honeywell torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 1 — Source: MK-50 torpedo launch from USS Bulkeley

MK 50 Honeywell torpedo, Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 2 — Source: MK-50 torpedo hoist from USS Bulkeley

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Sources

MK-50 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo [ALWT]Publisher: Federation of American Scientists | Note: Supports the MK 50's launch roles, technical specifications, Block Upgrade I background, and reported average unit cost. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 U.S. Navy Torpedoes - NSL ArchivePublisher: Naval Submarine League | Note: Supports the Honeywell-Garrett Ex-50 selection, MK 50 development background, 1974 program start, 1981 selection, 1983 full-scale development, and 1996 production end. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 USS Sioux City Naval Historical EvaluationPublisher: NAVSEA | Note: Supports the USS Sioux City armament summary listing MK 50 Honeywell torpedoes. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Mark 50 Torpedo (cropped)Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing for the MK 50 torpedo being fired photograph. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 MK-50 torpedo launch from USS BulkeleyPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing for the MK-50 torpedo launch from USS Bulkeley. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 MK-50 torpedo hoist from USS BulkeleyPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing for the MK-50 torpedo hoist from USS Bulkeley. | Accessed: 2026-06-27