Mark 23 torpedo

The Mark 23 torpedo was a submarine-launched anti-surface ship torpedo designed and built by the Naval Torpedo Station for the United States Navy in World War II. It was essentially a Mark 14 torpedo, modified via the removal of its low-speed, long-range setting, leaving the high-speed, short-range feature in place.[2]

Mark 23 torpedo
Mark 14 torpedo side view and interior mechanisms; the Mark 14 and Mark 23 were physically identical and shared the same maintenance manual[2]
Type	Anti-surface ship torpedo[1]
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1943–1946[1]
Used by	United States Navy
Wars	World War II
Production history
Designer	Naval Torpedo Station Newport
Designed	1943[1]
Manufacturer	Naval Torpedo Station Newport Naval Torpedo Station Keyport Naval Ordnance Plant St. Louis
No. built	9600[1]
Specifications
Mass	3,259 pounds[1]
Length	246 inches[1]
Diameter	21 inches[1]
Effective firing range	4,500 yards[1]
Warhead	Mk 16 Mod 6, HBX[1]
Warhead weight	643 pounds[1]
Detonation mechanism	Mk 6 Mod 13 contact exploder[1]
Engine	Turbine[1]
Maximum speed	46.3 knots[1]
Guidance system	Gyroscope[1]
Launch platform	Submarines[1]

It was developed with the high-speed feature of the Mark 14 torpedo in mind, as earlier in the war, the low-speed feature of the Mark 14 was rarely used. However, during the latter stages of the war, fewer targets and better tactics necessitated firing from longer ranges and the Mark 14, with its low-speed, long-range feature, became the preferred weapon. Many of the Mark 23s were scrapped or converted to Mark 14s, while other units were cannibalized for spare parts.[1]