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Alliant Techsystems (ATK) Mk 46 Lightweight Torpedo

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) · Lightweight Aerial / Ship-Launched Torpedo / Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Torpedo · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) Mk 46 Lightweight Torpedo — Lightweight Aerial / Ship-Launched Torpedo / Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Torpedo
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The Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the United States Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory and is the NATO standard. These aerial torpedoes are designed to attack high-performance submarines. In 1989, an improvement program for the Mod 5 to the Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S) increased its shallow-water performance. The Mark 46 was initially developed as Research Torpedo Concept I, one of several weapons recommended for implementation by Project Nobska, a 1956 summer study on submarine warfare.

Specifications

Category
Missiles
Sub-Category
Torpedo
Domain
Defence
Era
Cold War (1970–1991)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Alliant Techsystems (ATK)
Co-Manufacturer
Honeywell
Operator
US Navy / 20+ NATO nations
Primary Role
Lightweight Aerial / Ship-Launched Torpedo / Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Torpedo
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1967
Produced
20000
Unit Cost (2026$)
~$150,000
Launch
Air (P-3, P-8, S-3, SH-60) / Ship / Torpedo tube
Length (ft)
8.5
MTOW (lb)
508
Payload (lb)
98
Range (mi)
5.1
Max Speed (mph)
45