Mark 50 torpedo
| Mark 50 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo | |
|---|---|
P-3 Orion), RUM-139 VL-ASROC |
The Mark 50 torpedo is a
Mark 54 LHT
.
The torpedo's stored chemical energy propulsion system uses a small tank of sulfur hexafluoride gas, which is sprayed over a block of solid lithium, which generates enormous quantities of heat, which generates steam. The steam propels the torpedo in a closed Rankine cycle,[5] supplying power to a pump-jet. This propulsion system offers the very important deep-water performance advantage in that the combustion products—sulfur and lithium fluoride—occupy less volume than the reactants, so the torpedo does not have to force these out against increasing water pressure as it approaches a deep-diving submarine.
General characteristics, Mk 50
- Primary function: air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo[1][3]
- Contractor: Alliant Techsystems, Westinghouse[3]
- Length: 9.5 ft (2.9 m)[3]
- Weight: approx. 800 lb (360 kg)[3]
- Diameter: 12.75 in (324 mm)[3]
- Speed: > 40 kn (74 km/h)[3]
- Power Plant: Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System[1]
- Propulsion: Pump Jet
- Guidance system: Active/passive acoustic homing[1][3]
- Warhead: 100 lb (45 kg) high explosive [1][3]
Comparable weapons
- Stingray torpedo
- MU90 Impact
Notes
- ^ ISBN 0-9610724-8-2. p. 190.
- ^ "Mark 50". Deagel, 2012. Accessed 5 Dec 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "U.S. Navy Fact File: Mk-50 Torpedo" Archived 2016-10-12 at the Wayback Machine. The U.S. Navy—Fact File. Department of the Navy, 27 Nov 2012. Accessed 4 Dec 2012.
- ^ "Ticonderoga Class Aegis Guided Missile Cruisers, United States of America." Naval-technology.com. Net Resources International, 2012. Accessed 5 Dec 2012.
- doi:10.2514/3.62644.