Designed to attack high-performance submarines, the Mark 46 torpedo is the backbone of the U.S. Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory, and is the current NATO standard. The Mk 46 Mod 5 is expected to remain in service until the year 2015. In 1989, a major upgrade program for the Mod 5 began to improve its shallow-water performance, resulting in the Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).

General Characteristics, Mk 46 Mod 5

• Primary Function: Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo
• Contractor: Alliant Techsystems
• Power Plant: Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II)
• Length: 2.6 m (102.36 in) tube launch configuration (from ship)
• Weight: 234.8 kg (517.65 lb) (warshot configuration)
• Diameter: 32.4 cm (12.75 in)
• Range: 7.3 km (8,000 yd)
• Depth: > 365 m (1,200 ft)
• Speed: > 28 knots (32.2 mi/h, 51.8 km/h)
• Guidance System: Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing
• Launch/search mode: Snake or circle search
• Warhead: 44.45 kg (98 lb) of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
• Date Deployed: 1966 (Mod 0); 1979 (Mod 5)