Mark 48

Function
Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing torpedo
Guidance Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing
Weight
  • MK-48 1545.3 kilograms (3,411 pounds)
  • MK-48 ADCAP 1662.75 kilograms (3,671 pounds)
Length
5.79 metres
Range 8 kilometres
Speed
52 kilometres per hour
Mark 48

The MK-48 is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships. The MK-48 has been in service in the US Navy since 1972. MK-48 ADCAP entered service in 1988.

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 re-attacks if they miss the target.