The Mark 32 torpedo was the first active acoustic antisubmarine homing torpedo in United States Navy service.[1] The Mark 32 was withdrawn from service use with the introduction of the Mark 43 torpedo.

Mark 32 torpedo
Diagram of the Mark 32 torpedo
TypeAcoustic torpedo[1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1950-1955[1]
Used byUnited States Navy
Production history
DesignerGeneral Electric[1]
Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University
Designed1950[1]
ManufacturerPhilco[1]
Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park
Leeds and Northrup
No. built3300[1]
Specifications
Mass700 pounds[1]
Length83 inches[1]
Diameter19 inches with 25.4-inch fins[1]

Effective firing range9600 yards[1]
(24-minute search duration)
WarheadMk 32 Mod 1, HBX[1]
Warhead weight107 pounds[1]
Detonation
mechanism
Mk 19 Mods 4 and 11 contact exploder[1]

EngineElectric[1]
Maximum speed 12 knots[1]
Guidance
system
Helix search[1]
Launch
platform
Destroyers and aircraft[1]

Ten were manufactured by Leeds & Northrup, Philadelphia during War II, and about 3,300 were manufactured by a combination of the Philco Corporation, Philadelphia, and the Naval Ordnance Plant, Forest Park, Illinois.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mine Mk32". Retrieved 21 June 2013.