Mark 45 torpedo

The Mark 45 anti-submarine torpedo, a.k.a. ASTOR, was a submarine-launched wire-guided nuclear torpedo designed by the United States Navy for use against high-speed, deep-diving, enemy submarines. This was one of several weapons recommended for implementation by Project Nobska, a 1956 summer study on submarine warfare.[3] The 19-inch (480 mm)-diameter torpedo was fitted with a W34 nuclear warhead. The need to maintain direct control over the warhead meant that a wire connection had to be maintained between the torpedo and submarine until detonation. Wire guidance systems were piggybacked onto this cable, and the torpedo had no homing capability. The design was completed in 1960, and 600 torpedoes were built between 1963 and 1976, when ASTOR was replaced by the Mark 48 torpedo.

For other uses, see 5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun.
Mark 45 torpedo
Mark 45 torpedo on display in Aiea, Hawaii, United States
TypeNuclear antisubmarine torpedo[1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1959-1976[1][2]
Used byUnited States Navy
Production history
DesignerApplied Research Laboratory, University of Washington[1]
Westinghouse Electric
Designed1957[1]
ManufacturerWestinghouse Electric[1]
Produced1959[1]
No. built600
VariantsMark 45 Mod 1[1]
Mark 45 Mod 2
Specifications
Mass2,400 pounds (1,100 kg)
Length227 inches (580 cm)
Diameter19 inches (48 cm)
WarheadW34 nuclear warhead
Blast yield11 kilotons
EngineElectric[1]
Operational
range
5-8 miles (8-13 km)
Maximum speed 40 knots
Guidance
system
Gyroscope and wire
Launch
platform
Submarines[1]

Design

This electrically propelled, 19-inch (480 mm)-diameter torpedo was 227 inches (5,800 mm) long and weighed 2,400 pounds (1,100 kg).[4][5] The W34 nuclear warhead used in ASTOR had an explosive yield of 11 kilotons. The requirement for positive control of nuclear warheads meant that ASTOR could only be detonated by a deliberate signal from the firing submarine, which necessitated a wire link. Because of this, the torpedo was only fitted with wire guidance systems (transmitted over the same link), and had no homing capability. The torpedo had a range of 5 to 8 miles (8.0 to 12.9 km).[5] By replacing the nuclear warhead and removing the wire guidance systems, the torpedo could be reconfigured for unguided launch against surface targets.[4]

History

Production of ASTOR began in 1959 and it entered service soon after.[1][2] Approximately 600 torpedoes were built by 1976, when the torpedo was replaced by the Mark 48 torpedo. The ASTORs were collected, fitted with conventional warheads and wake homing guidance systems, then sold to foreign navies as the Mark 45 Mod 1 Freedom Torpedo.[5]

See also
  • American 21 inch torpedo

Notes
  1. Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mine Mk45". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  2. Navweaps.com gives service dates as 1963-1976. Post-World War II US torpedoes at Navweaps.com
  3. Friedman, Norman (1994). U.S. Submarines Since 1945: An Illustrated Design History. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 109–114. ISBN 1-55750-260-9.
  4. Kurak (September 1966) p.147
  5. Polmar (November 1978) p.160

References
  • Kurak, Steve (September 1966). "The U. S. Navy's Torpedo Inventory". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • Polmar, Norman (November 1978). "The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet: Torpedoes". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

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