DOT&E finds modified Mk 48 torpedoes operationally suitable and effective

A Pentagon report confirms the effectiveness of modified Mk 48 torpedoes. (US Department of Defense)

The US Navy’s modified Advanced Processor Build (APB) 5+ Mk 48 torpedo is “operationally effective and suitable”, according to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) FY 2023 Annual Report, released on 2 February.

However, “Mk 48 Mod 7 torpedo reliability has degraded below navy-defined requirements”, the DOT&E noted, recommending the navy determine and correct the causes of the degraded reliability of that modified Mk 48.

The Mk 48 is a submarine-launched heavyweight torpedo that directs itself towards a submarine or surface ship based on a set targeting solution.

The torpedo has hardware variants referred to as Mods, with each Mod representing a step improvement in capability, integrating upgraded sensors, guidance and control (G&C), and propulsion system hardware.

Mod 6 features integrated noise quieting in the propulsion section and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics in the G&C section. Mod 7 features a Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System and an upgraded sonar receiver.

The navy also releases regular software updates, APBs for the torpedoes, which include improved tactics, classification algorithms, and operator interfaces.