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a boxlike device containing eight cells, as shown in
figure 20-9, each containing a missile.
SUBROC
The SUBROC, an antisubmarine rocket with
a nuclear warhead, is launched from a submarine
torpedo tube by conventional methods. After
clearing the submarine, a rocket motor ignites and
propels the weapon upward and out of the water.
An inertial guidance system then directs the
SUBROC toward its target. At a predetermined
range, the motor and depth bomb separate, the
latter continuing toward the target area. Upon
reentry into the water, the bomb sinks to a preset
15.106
Figure 20-9.—The ASROC cellular launcher.
depth, where the warhead explodes. The target may
be a surface ship as well as a submarine. The
SUBROC system can fire missiles in rapid succes-
sion, an important defense against enemy tactics.
SUBROC systems are installed in the Permit,
Sturgeon, and Los Angeles classes of attack
submarines (SSNs).
TORPEDOES
A torpedo can be launched from submarines,
surface ships, or aircraft. The two primary torpedoes
in the Navy inventory are the Mk 46 and the Mk 48.
A new Mk 48 advanced capability (ADCAP) and Mk
50 torpedo are being phased into the fleet.
Mk 46
The Mk 46 torpedo is a lightweight ASW
torpedo
designed
to
attack
high-performance
submarines. The Mk 46 torpedo is presently
identified as the NATO standard torpedo. Since
introduction of the Mk 46 in 1967, navies of several
other countries have acquired it. The Mk 46 torpedo
is designed to be launched from surface combatant
torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles, and fixed- and
rotary-wing aircraft.
Mk 48 and Mk 48 Advanced
Capability (ADCAP)
The Mk 48 torpedo is carried by all Navy
attack and ballistic missile submarines. The improved
version—the Mk 48 ADCAP—is carried by the SSN
688 and SSN 637 classes of attack submarines. The
Mk 48 ADCAP will also be used by the Seawolf-class
attack submarines and Ohio-class ballistic missile
submarines.
These torpedoes enable U.S. submarines to
sink hostile surface ships or submarines in the
presence or absence of torpedo countermeasures.
The design of both of these weapons enables them
to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines
and
high-performance
surface
ships.
Both
torpedoes can operate with or without wire
guidance and use active and/or passive homing.
When launched they execute preprogrammed
target-search, acquisition, and attack procedures.
Both will conduct multiple reattacks in the
unlikely event they miss the target.
The Mk 48 has been operational in the U.S.
Navy since 1972. The Mk 48 ADCAP became
operational in 1988 and was approved for full
production in 1989. The ADCAP has significantly
increased capabilities over the Mk 48. These
capabilities allow its employment against the most
advanced Soviet submarines.
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