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Surface Vessel Weapon System
Mk-50 Torpedo
 
 
mk-50 torpedo lightweight 12.75" inches 324 mm

  
The Mk-50 torpedo is a highly capable undersea weapon for U.S. Navy surface ships and aircraft. Developed to replace the Mk-46 torpedo, it was first authorized for fleet use in October 1992. The Mk-50 is designed to counter the fast, deep-diving, double-hulled nuclear submarine threat. Relative to the Mk-46, the Mk-50 has increased range, more sophisticated counter-countermeasure logic, and greater lethality, speed, depth, and endurance. Major technological advances include a Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS). Another significant advantage is that the weapon’s tactics and signal processing are software driven. A Mk-50 software block upgrade program was conducted in the mid-1990s to enhance the Mk-50’s shallow water performance.

General Characteristics:
Contractor: Alliant Techsystems, Westinghouse
Propulsion: Stored chemical energy propulsion system; pump-jet
Length: 9.5 feet (2,85 meters)
Diameter: 12.75 inches (324 mm)
Weight: 800 pounds (approx.) (360 kg)
Speed: 40+ knots (74 km/h)
Guidance System: Active/passive acoustic homing
Warhead: Approx. 100 pounds conventional
  

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mk-50 torpedo mk-32 torpedo tubes svtt lightweight
Mk-50 training torpedo was launched from a Mk-32 torpedo tube aboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84)

 
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