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The MK-48 and the MK-48 ADCAP (for advanced capaplilities) torpedoe is one of the three major torpedoes in the Navy inventory.
The MK-48 is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships. It is carried by all Navy submarines. The improved version, MK-48 ADCAP, is carried by attack submarines, the Ohio class ballistic missile submarines and is also carried by the Seawolf class attack submarines. The MK-48 replaced both the MK-37 and MK-14 torpedoes. The MK-48 has been operational in the U.S. Navy since 1972. MK-48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989.
Primary Function: Heavyweight torpedo for submarines
Contractor: Gould
Power Plant: Piston engine; pump jet
Length: 19 ft (5.79 m)
Weight: 3,434 lb (1545 kg) (MK-48); 3,695 lb (1663 kg) (MK-48 ADCAP)
Diameter: 21 inch (533 mm)
Range: Greater than 5 miles (8 km)
Depth: Greater than 1,200 ft (366 m)
Speed: Greater than 28 knots (52 km/h)
Guidance System: Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing
Warhead: 650 lb (295 kg) high explosive
Date Deployed: 1972
The piston engine appearently is fueled by a special fuel that contains the oxygen needed for combustion ("single fuel"). Unconfirmed reports indicate that the sensor array of the weapon also includes sensors that monitor the surrounding electrical and magnetic fields.
Judging by other sources the performance data given by the US Navy appears to be a gross understatement of the torpedoes actual capabilities. These sources rate the weapons top speed at anywhere between 60 to 75 knots (110 to 140 km/h). The range at top speed is assumed to exceed 20 nautical miles (37 km), while the range at lower speeds may exceed 30 nautical miles (56 km). The maximum depth of operation is believed to be in excess of 600 m to counter deep diving submarines.
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ffiletop.html US Navy Fact File
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