Mark-48 Torpedo (m)
Modeled by the Norseman
Range: Shift-Y
(200+ areas)Price: Rm
Damage: Rm explosive damage. Can penetrate +1cs armor.
Speed: Pr? (Greater than 28 knots or 32.2 mph)
Material: Rm
Tracking: Rm
Description: Heavyweight torpedo for submarines.
Contractor: Gould
Weight: 3,434 lbs (1,545.3 kg) (MK-48); 3,695 lbs (1,662.75 kg) (MK-48 ADCAP)
Range: Greater than 5 miles
Date Deployed: 1972
Services: Navy only.
Background: 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 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.
MK-48 and MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active and/or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target. The MK-46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In 1989, a major upgrade program began to enhance the performance of the MK-46 Mod 5 in shallow water. Weapons incorporating these improvements are identified as Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).