| Mark 39 torpedo | |
|---|---|
| Type | ASW Homing torpedo |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1946-1956 |
| Used by | United States Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Vitro Corporation Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University |
| Designed | 1946 |
| Manufacturer | Philco |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1725 pounds |
| Length | 133 inches |
| Diameter | 19 inches |
| Effective firing range | 1300 yards (26-minute search duration) |
| Warhead | Mk 39 Mod 0, HBX |
| Warhead weight | 130 pounds |
| Detonation mechanism | Mk 19 Mod 10 contact exploder |
| Engine | Electric |
| Maximum speed | 15.5 knots |
| Guidance system | Wire |
| Launch platform | Submarines |
The Mark 39 torpedo was the first homing torpedo in United States Navy service to use a trailing wire for mid-course guidance through the submarine's fire control system. The Mark 39 was a Mark 27 Mod 4 torpedo converted for development of wire guidance techniques, which were eventually incorporated into the Mark 37 Mod 1 and the Mark 45. Due to this development, the Mark 39 was considered obsolete and the remaining inventory was scrapped.
References
- ^ Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mine Mk39". Retrieved 21 June 2013.
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