(recoverable
exercise
torpedo)
configurations
(fig. 5-2).
Mk 46 Warshot Configuration
The warshot configuration of the Mk 46 and Mods
torpedo consists of a nose section, warhead, control
group, long fuel tank, and after body. A tactical
warhead (contains explosives) is used in the warshot
configuration.
Mk 46 Exercise Configuration
There are three versions of exercise torpedoes
available for aircraft launching: (1) a torpedo with a
short exercise head, extender section, and a short fuel
tank; (2) a torpedo with a long exercise head and a short
fuel tank; or (3) a torpedo with a long exercise head,
instrumentation for tracking on 3D ranges, and a short
fuel tank. All three configurations use Mk 85 and Mods
exercise heads.
For
detailed
information
concerning
the
component configuration of the Mk 46 and Mods
torpedo, you should refer to Mk 46 Torpedo/Mk 46
REXTORP Flight Accessories (Description, Opera-
tion, Installation, Removal, and Trajectory Data),
NAVSEA SW512-AO-ASY-010.
Mk 50 Torpedo
The Mk 50 (fig. 5-3) 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
5-2
Figure 5-2.—Mk 46 recoverable exercise torpedo (REXTORP).
