Mark 48 torpedo

{{short description|American heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes}} {{For|the machine gun|Mk 48 machine gun}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Mark 48 torpedo | image = border|300px | caption = Technicians perform maintenance on a Mark 48 torpedo in 1982. | origin = United States | type = Heavyweight dual-purpose ASW and ASuW torpedo | is_ranged = y | is_bladed = | is_explosive = y | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = | is_missile = y | is_UK =  | service = 1972–present (Mod 1)<ref name="joliehist">{{cite web | last= Jolie | first = E.W. | title = A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mine Mk48 | date = 15 September 1978 | url= http://www.maritime.org/doc/jolie/part2.htm | access-date = 21 June 2013}}</ref> 1988–present (ADCAP) 2008–present Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) | used_by = United States Navy Brazilian Navy Royal Australian Navy Royal Canadian Navy Royal Netherlands Navy Republic of China Navy | wars = 2026 Iran war  | designer = Gould, Inc.<ref name="joliehist"/> Naval Surface Warfare Center | design_date = 1967<ref name="joliehist"/> | manufacturer = Gould/Honeywell (Mod 1) Hughes Aircraft (ADCAP) Westinghouse Naval Systems Cleveland Ohio | unit_cost = $894,000 (1978 USD)<ref name="p145">Polmar, Norman. "The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet: Torpedoes". ''United States Naval Institute Proceedings'', November 1978, p. 159.</ref> $3,500,000 (ADCAP) (1988)<ref name="fas"/> $3,800,000 (CBASS)(2005 USD)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Torpedoes/Mark-48-CBASS_a001143002.aspx|title=Mark 48 CBASS|website=www.deagel.com}}</ref> $5.39m (2022) <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/new-look-at-air-forces-ship-killing-smart-bomb-in-action-seeker-details-revealed | title=New Look at Air Force's Ship-Killing Smart Bomb in Action, Seeker Details Revealed | date=22 September 2022 }}</ref> | production_date = | number = | variants =  | spec_label = | weight = {{convert|3434|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (original), {{convert|3695|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (ADCAP) | length = {{convert|19|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="1987 almanac">Thomas, Vincent C. ''The Almanac of Seapower 1987''. Navy League of the United States (1987). {{ISBN|0-9610724-8-2}}. p. 190.</ref> | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = {{convert|21|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name="1987 almanac"/> | crew =  | cartridge = | caliber = | barrels = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = {{convert|20|km|mi km nmi|abbr=on|order=out}},<ref name="2000 zimmermann"/> up to {{convert|27.4|km|mi km nmi|abbr=on|order=out}}<ref name="mdc tw">{{cite web|url=http://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/navy/usanavy/E-antisub-SUB-torpedo.htm |title=MK-48 submarine torpedoes |work= |publisher= |access-date=18 February 2026 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727104435/http://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/navy/usanavy/E-antisub-SUB-torpedo.htm |archive-date=July 27, 2020 }}</ref> at {{convert|65|kn|abbr=on}}(ADCAP)<ref name="2000 zimmermann">{{cite book |title=Submarine Technology For The 21st Century |date=2000 |publisher=Stan Zimmerman |pages=143 |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/821028582/Submarine-Technology-for-the-21st-Century-Stan-Zimmerman-2nd-Ed-Victoria-B-C-c2000-Trafford-Publishing-9781552123300-7e4189f82a69895#content=query:65,pageNum:143,indexOnPage:0,bestMatch:false |access-date=18 February 2026}}</ref> {{convert|38|km|mi km nmi|abbr=on|order=out}} at {{convert|55|kn|abbr=on}} or {{convert|50|km|mi km nmi|abbr=on|order=out}} at {{convert|40|kn|abbr=on}} (estimated),<ref name="1987 almanac"/><ref name=janes/> officially "greater than {{convert|5|mi|km nmi}}" | max_range = | feed = | sights =  | filling = high explosive plus unused fuel | filling_weight = {{convert|647|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="1987 almanac"/> | detonation = proximity fuze | yield =  | armour = | primary_armament = | secondary_armament = | engine = swash-plate piston engine; pump jet | engine_power = | pw_ratio = | transmission = | payload_capacity = | suspension = | clearance = | wingspan = | propellant = Otto fuel II | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = | ceiling = | altitude = | depth = 500 fathoms,<ref name="1987 almanac"/> {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}} (estimated),<ref name=janes/> officially "greater than 1,200 ft"<ref name=factfile>"[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=950&ct=2 US Navy Fact File: Heavyweight Torpedo - Mark 48 ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702202236/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=950&ct=2 |date=2020-07-02 }}", ''US Navy'', 17 January 2009, Retrieved 10 March 2010.</ref> | boost = | speed = {{cvt|65|kn}} (estimated)<ref name="2000 zimmermann"/> officially "greater than {{cvt|28|kn}}" | guidance = Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System | steering = | accuracy = | launch_platform = Submarine | transport = }}

The '''Mark 48''' and its improved '''Advanced Capability''' ('''ADCAP''') variant are American heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes. They were designed to sink deep-diving nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships.

==History== The Mark 48 was initially developed as '''research torpedo concept II''' ('''RETORC II'''), one of several weapons recommended for implementation by Project Nobska, a 1956 summer study on submarine warfare.<ref>{{cite book | last = Friedman | first = Norman | author-link = Norman Friedman | title = U.S. Submarines Since 1945: An Illustrated Design History | publisher = Naval Institute Press | year = 1994 | location = Annapolis, Maryland | pages = [https://archive.org/details/ussubmarinessinc1945frie/page/n120 109]–114 | url =https://archive.org/details/ussubmarinessinc1945frie| url-access = limited | isbn = 1-55750-260-9 }}</ref> The Mk-48 torpedo was designed at the end of the 1960s by Gould Ocean systems Division of Cleveland, Ohio, to keep up with the advances in Soviet submarine technology. Operational since 1972, it replaced the Mk-37, Mk-14 and Mk-16 torpedoes as the principal weapon of US Navy submarines.<ref name=fas>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/mk-48.htm |title=MK 48 |work=Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network |publisher=www.fas.org |access-date=2011-04-06}}</ref> With the entry into service of the new Soviet {{sclass2|Alfa|submarine|2}} in 1977, the decision was made to first upgrade the weapon to MOD 4 status and then accelerate the ADCAP program, which would bring significant modifications to the torpedo. Tests were run to ensure that the weapon could keep up with the developments and the weapon was modified with improved acoustics and electronics. The new version of the weapon, also known as Mk-48 Mod 5 (ADCAP), was extensively tested and production started in 1985, with entry into service in 1988. From then on, various upgrades have been added to the torpedo. {{As of|2012}} the Mk-48 Mod 6 was in service; a Mod 7 version was test fired in 2008 in Exercise RIMPAC. The inventory of the US Navy in 2001 was 1,046 Mk-48 torpedoes.<ref name=janes>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/juws/juws010202_1_n.shtml |title=Mk 48 ADCAP |work=Jane's Naval Forces News |publisher=www.janes.com |access-date=2011-04-06 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010401035621/http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/juws/juws010202_1_n.shtml |archive-date=April 1, 2001 }}</ref> In 2017 Lockheed's production was approximately 50 per year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Osborn|first1=Kris|title=Navy Engineers New Lethal, Super High-Tech Mk 48 Torpedo|url=https://scout.com/military/warrior/Article/Navy-Engineers-New-Lethal-Super-High-Tech-Mk-48-Torpedo-110983479|access-date=27 November 2017|work=Scout.com|date=24 November 2017|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202115937/https://247sports.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Deployment== The Mk-48 torpedo is designed to be launched from submarine torpedo tubes. The weapon is carried by all US Navy submarines, including {{sclass|Ohio|submarine|0}} ballistic missile submarines and {{sclass|Seawolf|submarine|5}}-, {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|5}}-, and {{sclass|Virginia|submarine|0}} attack submarines. It is also used on Canadian, Australian, and Dutch submarines.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}

Mk-48 and Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes can be guided from a submarine by wires attached to the torpedo. They can also use their own active or passive sensors to execute programmed target search, acquisition, and attack procedures. The torpedo is designed to detonate under the keel of a surface ship, breaking the keel and destroying its structural integrity. In the event of a miss, it can circle back for another attempt.<ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Costa|first1=Ian|title=This is what makes the Mark 48 one of the deadliest torpedoes ever built|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/this-is-what-makes-the-mark-48-one-of-the-deadliest-torpedoes-ever-built|website=We are the mighty|publisher=Mighty Networks|access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref>

==Propulsion== The swashplate piston engine is fueled by Otto fuel II, a monopropellant which combusts to drive the engine. The thrust is generated by a propulsor assembly, which is an axial-flow<ref>{{cite web |title=Mark 48 Torpedo |url=https://nuclearcompanion.com/data/mark-48-torpedo/ |website=Nuclear Companion: A nuclear guide to the cold war |date=28 January 2025}}</ref> pump-jet<ref name="ADA201353">{{cite web |last1=Furuya |first1=Okitsugu |last2=Chiang |first2=Wen-li |title=A New Pumpjet Design Theory [ADA201353] |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA201353 |date=1988}}</ref> with approximately 15 rotor blades and 12 stator blades based on US Navy computer graphics from 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mk48 Mod 6AT |url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/NUWC_Newport/QRpage/MK48.pdf |website=navsea.navy.mil |date=May 31, 2011}}</ref>

==Sensors and improvements== The torpedo's seeker has an active electronically steered "pinger" (2D phased array sonar) that helps avoid having to maneuver as it approaches the target. Unconfirmed reports{{by whom|date=September 2020}} indicate that the torpedo's sensors can monitor surrounding electrical and magnetic fields. This may refer to the electromagnetic coils on the warhead (at least from 1977 to 1981), used to sense the metallic mass of the ship's hull and detonate at the proper stand-off distance.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

The torpedo has been the subject of continued improvement over its service lifetime.<ref>Zimmerman (2000), pp. 129-130.</ref> In the 1990s, a Mod 6 variant of the ADCAP provided much improved noise isolation for the engine, which makes this torpedo more difficult to detect for a potential target.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

'''The Mk48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System''' (CBASS) torpedo is optimized for both the deep and littoral waters and has advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities. The MK48 ADCAP Mod 7 (CBASS) torpedo is the result of a Joint Development Program with the Royal Australian Navy and reached Initial Operational Capability in 2006.<ref name=factfile/> The Mod 7 variant increases sonar bandwidth, enabling it to transmit and receive pings over a wider frequency band, taking advantage of broadband signal processing techniques to greatly improve search, acquisition, and attack effectiveness. This version is much more resistant to enemy countermeasures.<ref>[http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/everything-you-need-know-about-the-us-navys-new-lethal-16413 The U.S. Navy's New Lethal Torpedo Is Almost Ready for War] - Nationalinterest.org, 31 May 2016</ref>

On July 25, 2008, a MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo fired by an Australian {{sclass|Collins|submarine|2}}, {{HMAS|Waller}}, successfully sank a test target during the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC) exercises.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-heavy-torpedo-fired-for-first-time/2008/07/25/1216492690969.html |title=Aussie sub sinks US Warship |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726002343/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-heavy-torpedo-fired-for-first-time/2008/07/25/1216492690969.html |archive-date=26 July 2008 |quote=An Australian submarine has fired a new heavy torpedo for the first time and sunk a US warship. But, rest easy, the dramatic event was part of an exercise and not a sudden deterioration in relations with the US. [...] The new heavyweight torpedo, jointly developed by Australia and the US, was fired yesterday during the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC 08) exercise. Multiple navies are taking part in the exercise off the coast of Hawaii, which featured the planned sinking of a retired US warship. The MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo is considered the world's premier submarine-launched torpedo. |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Video: Torpedo test sinks US ship |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7523147.stm |publisher=BBC|date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=2011-04-06}}</ref>

In 2015 the USN announced plans to restart production and seek a more modular design.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2015/10/29/navy-planning-torpedo-restart-would-be-modular-design-with-multiple-payloads |title=Navy Planning Torpedo Restart, Would Be Modular Design With Multiple Payloads |last1=Eckstein |first1=Megan |date=29 October 2015 |website=news.usni.org |publisher=USNI |access-date=29 October 2015}}</ref> Lockheed Martin is to upgrade existing Mark 48s to include a new guidance-control system known as the Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS), in addition to improving propulsion and resistance to electronic countermeasures.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a24511/us-navy-lethal-torpedo/?src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&date=122816 |title=The U.S. Navy is Getting a More Lethal Torpedo |first=Kyle |last=Mizokami |date=December 27, 2016 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |quote=Defense contractor Lockheed Martin is upgrading existing Mark 48s to a new standard. A new, upgraded torpedo will run quieter, have an improved propulsion system, be more resistant to electronic countermeasures, and have an all-new guidance control system known as Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System, or CBASS. The new system should allow for locking onto enemy vessels at even longer ranges. In addition to upgrading older torpedoes, Lockheed will deliver 250 more brand new Mark 48s to the U.S. Navy. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228193405/http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a24511/us-navy-lethal-torpedo/?src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_news&date=122816 |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Starting in 2003, the US Navy began the Stealth Torpedo Enhancement Program which aims to upgrade the capability of the existing Mk 48 design by implementing alternative fuel sources including electric fuel cells, and a "swim out" capability, a capability that allows a torpedo to leave the tube under its own power without using a torpedo tube's noisier compressed air-launch system. The program is ongoing, with many details yet classified.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.nap.edu/read/9863/chapter/4#15|title=An Assessment of Undersea Weapons Science and Technology|date=9 June 2000|doi=10.17226/9863|isbn=978-0-309-06926-7}}</ref>

center|800px

==Operators== thumb|Map with Mark 48 torpedo operators in blue

===Current operators=== *{{navy|AUS}} *{{naval|Brazil}} *{{navy|CAN}} *{{navy|NLD}} *{{navy|USA}} *{{navy|ROC}}<ref name="oct23bi">{{cite news |title=Armed with a heavyweight torpedo made to 'break ships in half,' Taiwan's first homemade submarine represents a new threat to China's navy |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/taiwan-new-submarine-torpedos-threat-to-china-2023-10 |publisher=Business Insider |date=23 Oct 2023}}</ref>

==Operational history== {{main|Sinking of IRIS Dena}} thumb|Mark 48 in action during the sinking of {{Ship|IRIS|Dena|wl=no}} On 4 March 2026, during the 2026 Iran war, the Iranian naval frigate {{ship|IRIS|Dena}} was sunk by one of the two Mark 48 torpedoes fired from {{Ship|USS|Charlotte|SSN-766|6}} in international waters near the southern coast of Sri Lanka.<ref name="DTel20260304">{{cite news |last1=Cotterill |first1=Tom |last2=Rothwell |first2=James |title=US submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/iranian-warship-sunk-by-us-submarine-sri-lanka/ |access-date=4 March 2026 |agency= |publisher= |date=4 March 2026|work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Reals |date=2026-03-06 |title=As Iran war expands, Trump says he must have a role in choosing the country's next leader |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/us-iran-war-spreads-azerbaijan-israel-strikes-tehran-lebanon/ |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=CBS News |language=en-US|first=Tucker}}</ref> {{ship|IRIS|Dena|4=2|wl=no}} became the first ship sunk by a US submarine in active combat since World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Altman |author2=Trevithick |date=2026-03-04 |title=U.S. Navy Submarine Torpedoes Iranian Frigate In Indian Ocean |url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/u-s-submarine-sinks-iranian-warship-in-the-indian-ocean |access-date=2026-03-04 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US|first=Howard|first2=Joseph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-04 |title=US submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka killing at least 80 and leaving dozens more injured |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/iran-ship-submarine-attack-sri-lanka-us-war-b2931613.html |access-date=2026-03-04 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>

==See also== * American 21 inch torpedo * Baek Sang Eo (White Shark) torpedo * Black Shark torpedo * DM2A4 * F21 Artemis * Futlyar * Roketsan Akya * Spearfish torpedo * Tigerfish torpedo * Torped 62 * Type 65 torpedo * Type 89 torpedo * Varunastra (torpedo) * Yu-6 torpedo * Copperhead-500M, an autonomous unmanned undersea loitering munition comparable in size and capability to the Mark 48.

==References== {{reflist}}

===Bibliography=== *{{cite book |last=Zimmerman |first=Stan |date=2000 |edition=2nd |title=Submarine Technology for the 21st Century|location=Victoria, British Columbia |publisher=Trafford Publishing|isbn=1-55212-330-8}}

==Further reading== *{{cite book |editor-last=Archer |editor-first=Dennis |date=1976 |title=Jane's Pocket Book Of Naval Armament|location=New York |publisher=Collier Books|isbn=}} *{{cite book |last=Friedman |first=Norman |date=1991 |title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems 1991/1992 |location=Annapolis, Maryland|publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=0-87021-288-5}} *{{cite book |editor-last=Watts |editor-first=Anthony J. |date=1997 |title=Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems 1997-1998 |location=Coulsdon, Surrey|publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=0-7106-1561-2}}

== External links == {{commons category}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20071113044902/http://www.raytheon.com/products/mk_torpedoes/ Mk 48 at Raytheon Company] *[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact.asp US Navy Fact File] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727172353/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact.asp |date=2020-07-27 }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mark 48 Torpedo}} Category:Cold War anti-submarine weapons of the United States Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s Category:Raytheon Company products Category:Torpedoes of the United States

Mark 48 torpedo

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