Mk 50 Torpedo

Mk 50 Torpedo

The Mk 50 is a lightweight, high-speed, antisubmarine torpedo that is compatible with all airborne ASW platforms. It has improved design features to ensure greater reliability and increased capabilities over previous torpedoes. The three major sections of the torpedo are nose, head, and after body. The nose contains the transmitter and receiver. The after body provides propulsion and control. The exercise head provides buoyancy for the torpedo. The warshot head contains an explosive charge. An orange nose and after body identify the exercise torpedo with a 6-inch blue strip around the circumference of the ballast assembly. For further information on the torpedoes, you should refer to United States Ammunition Historical and Functional Data, NAVSEA SW010-AB-GTP-010.

AIRCRAFT-LAUNCHED TORPEDO CONFIGURATIONS

To air-launch torpedoes, you will use launch accessory equipment. This equipment includes suspension bands to attach the torpedo to the aircraft and torpedo air stabilizers to ensure a predictable air trajectory and water entry. Torpedoes are configured and issued to the fleet depending on tactical or training requirements. As an Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), you are not responsible for the assembly of the torpedo at the organizational level. However, you are responsible for the installation of launch accessory equipment. The physical characteristics, such as weight, length, etc., of the Mk 46 torpedo vary. These characteristics depend on the configuration of the

torpedo itself (warshot or exercise) and the configuration of the attached launch accessories. The Mk 46 torpedo is configured with aircraft-launch accessories for either helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft launching.

The basic items of accessory equipment used in launching torpedoes from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are the torpedo air stabilizer and suspension band assembly. The torpedo air stabilizer ensures a predictable air trajectory and water entry without torpedo structural damage. The air stabilizer reduces the descent speed of the torpedo relative to the speed of the launching aircraft. A static line or release lanyard deploys the parachute when the torpedo is dropped from the aircraft. The deployed parachute stabilizes the torpedo during descent to the water, slows the descent speed to an acceptable velocity for water entry, and assures the proper water entry angle. The Mk 28 Mod 2

or the Mk 28 Mod 3

air stabilizers are used on torpedoes configured for fixed-wing aircraft. The Mk 31 Mod 0

or the Mk 31 Mod1

air stabilizers are used on torpedoes configured for helicopters. Mk 78 Mod 0 or Mod 1 suspension bands

are used in pairs to suspend the torpedo from the bomb racks or shackles of the launching aircraft. The bands wrap around the torpedo and are secured by tension bolts. After the bands are installed, the torpedo is loaded aboard by engaging the suspension band lugs in the bomb racks or on the bomb shackles of the aircraft. The torpedo is loaded internally for fixed-wing aircraft launch and externally for helicopter launch. When the bomb rack/shackle hooks are released, the torpedo drops. Release wires unlatch the suspension bands, allowing them to break away from the torpedo as it is launched from the aircraft.

For detailed information concerning aircraft launch accessories, you should refer to the U.S. Navy Aircraft Torpedoes Accessories and Trajectory Data and Quality Assurance Test and Inspection Plan for Installation of Torpedo Mk 46 Launch Accessories, NAVSEA SW512-AO-ASY-010.