Mark 39 torpedo

Last updated
Mark 39 torpedo
Type ASW Homing torpedo [1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1946-1956 [1]
Used by United States Navy
Production history
Designer Vitro Corporation [1]
Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University
Designed1946 [1]
Manufacturer Philco [1]
Specifications
Mass1725 pounds [1]
Length133 inches [1]
Diameter19 inches [1]

Effective firing range1300 yards [1]
(26-minute search duration)
WarheadMk 39 Mod 0, HBX [1]
Warhead weight130 pounds [1]
Detonation
mechanism
Mk 19 Mod 10 contact exploder [1]

Engine Electric [1]
Maximum speed 15.5 knots [1]
Guidance
system
Wire [1]
Launch
platform
Submarines [1]

The Mark 39 torpedo was the first homing torpedo in United States Navy service to use a trailing wire for mid-course guidance through the submarine's fire control system. The Mark 39 was a Mark 27 Mod 4 torpedo converted for development of wire guidance techniques, which were eventually incorporated into the Mark 37 Mod 1 and the Mark 45. Due to this development, the Mark 39 was considered obsolete and the remaining inventory was scrapped. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mine Mk39" . Retrieved 21 June 2013.