Mark 39 torpedo | |
Origin: | United States |
Type: | ASW Homing torpedo |
Is Ranged: | yes |
Is Explosive: | yes |
Is Missile: | yes |
Service: | 1946-1956 |
Used By: | United States Navy |
Designer: | Vitro Corporation Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University |
Manufacturer: | Philco |
Design Date: | 1946 |
Weight: | 1725 pounds |
Length: | 133 inches |
Diameter: | 19 inches |
Range: | 1300 yards (26-minute search duration) |
Filling: | Mk 39 Mod 0, HBX |
Filling Weight: | 130 pounds |
Detonation: | Mk 19 Mod 10 contact exploder |
Engine: | Electric |
Speed: | 15.5 knots |
Guidance: | 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.