miller7219
Matrix Trooper
Posts: 220
Joined: 4/7/2007
Status: offline
|
I'm trying to get an accurate and historical picture of US submarine munitions in the 50s-70s. Have done a fair amount of research through personal book and Internet resources. I'm interested to get opinions, corrections, and any additional information available through the community.
Torpedoes in service 1950-1959:
Straight Runners
Mk14
Type: Straight Runner – Dual Speed - Steam Turbine
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Surface
Service: @1938
Retired: @1975 (temporarily retired @1960, but returned to service @1969)
Built: 14,000+
Notes: It's been difficult finding some specific data for the Mk14. I've seen sources that indicate a service begin date in the early 1930s, but that seems to be when development and testing was occurring. It likely entered active service in fleet @1938. Several upgrades where done over its long service life, although none seem to have altered its basic characteristics and performance. No data has been found regarding specific dates of modifications. Updates seem primarily done to keep components compatible with the everchanging technology post WWII. That said, referring to it simply as the “Mk14” with no reference to a “Mod” suffix seems appropriate. Sources indicate the final “official” version as “Mk14 Mod 5”.
Mk16
Type: Straight Runner – Hydrogen Peroxide Turbine
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Surface
Service: @1946
Retired: @1975
Built: 1700+
Notes: Data found for the Mk16 is sketchy or incomplete in some cases, like the Mk14. The Mk16 was not used in WWII, although it was available (but still in final development) in 1944-45. Sources are unclear when it official entered active service and available to the fleet, but @1946 seems like a reasonable guess. Like with the Mk14, details on modifications over it’s long service life are unclear, but likely mods where simply for component compatibility with no discerning change to basic characteristics or performance. “Mk16” with no “Mod” suffix seems appropriate here too. Sources indicate the final “official” version as “Mk16 Mod 8”.
The Mk14 and Mk16 were the primary submarine launched anti-surface torpedoes from the end of WWII until the Mk48 appeared in 1972, when they were finally retired. Sources indicate the Mk16 was intended to be the primary post-WWII submarine launched anti-surface weapon, but the Mk16 was not available in sufficient supply until the late 1950s (possible reason why the Mk14 was temporarily retired @1960). I think it’s safe to say that throughout the 1950s every US submarine would be loaded with either the Mk14 or Mk16 (or both) for its anti-surface mission.
I think it’s safe to make the statement that US submarine strategy in the 1950’s was one of anti-shipping and not one of ASW (yet), with the strategy changing to ASW in the mid-50s and beyond as the Mk37 came in service, finally giving the fleet a dedicated effective ASW weapon.
Accoustic
Mk27 Mod 4
Type: Free Runner – Passive - Electric
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Surface (Submarine???)
Service: @1946
Retired: @1960
Built: 3000+
Notes: The Mk27 Mod 4 was the post-war update of the Mk27 “CUTIE” used during the war. This weapon is without a doubt primarily an anti-surface torpedo, designed specifically to defend against escort vessels during the war. I’ve seen conflicting reports as to if the Mk27 Mod 4 was also a stop gap ASW weapon prior to the Mk37 entering service. References indicate it was “declared obsolete by the Mk37 entering service” and one source that specifically lists it as a “post-war stop gap anti-submarine” weapon until the Mk37 was introduced. Although clearly intended for the anti-surface role, did it also serve as an ASW too?
MK28
Type: Free Runner – Passive - Electric
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Surface (Submarine???)
Service: @1944
Retired: @1960
Built: 1700+
Note: Similar to the Mk27 in use and design. Was used late in WWII in small numbers. References are conflicting. Most clearly indicate an anti-surface role, but they also reference it was retired after the introduction of the Mk37. The Mk37 was a pure ASW torpedo. This indicates, that like the Mk27 Mod 4, there may have been a secondary ASW role. It would make sense considering how limited the post-war navy was with effective ASW weapons. Did the Mk28 serve a dual role too, out of necessity?
Mk35
Type: Free Runner – Active/Passive - Electric
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Submarine/Surface
Service: @1949
Retired: @1960
Built: 400
Notes: Research indicates the Mk35 was developed in parallel with the Mk37 (was it a competitor for the ASW role). It was produced in small numbers and described as specifically designed “deep diving” torpedo. It clearly was designed for the ASW role, but sources indicate an anti-surface capability too. Several referenced to it being replaced by the Mk37. Was this the “primary” submarine ASW weapon of the 1950s until the MK37 was introduced? Seems odd it was built in such small numbers if that was the case, but the role of the US submarine fleet in the late 40’s and early 50’s was primarily anti-surface. A typical US sub patrol may have only carried 2-3 in a typical loadout mix. I’ve seen references to the Mk35’s production being halted due to the selection of the Mk37 as the future ASW weapon.
Mk37 Mod 0
Type: Free Runner – Active/Passive - Electric
Warhead: HE
User: Submarine
Target: Submarine
Service: 1956-1959
Retired: Mod 1 update @1960
Built: ???
Notes: The date of service is conflicting from different sources, but between 1956-1959 seems to be the period the Mk37 began to be used in fleet. Although the date of the Mod 1’s introduction is not fully certain, based upon several sources 1960-1961 seems reasonable. This was the first dedicated submarine ASW torpedo and according to many sources effectively replaced many other models (Mk27 Mod 4, Mk28, and Mk35). This would indicate, although not specifically designed for in all cases, these outdated torpedoes has been used as an interim ASW weapon.
Any information and discussion on the topic of 1950s era submarine weapons would be appreciated.
< Message edited by miller7219 -- 5/29/2020 12:33:46 AM >
|
Printable Version
US Navy - 1950s Era Submarine Weapons - 
New Messages
No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages
Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages
Locked w/o New Messages
Post New Thread