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]
TypeAnti-surface ship torpedo[1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1943–1946[1]
Used byUnited States Navy
WarsWorld War II
Production history
DesignerNaval Torpedo Station Newport
Designed1943[1]
ManufacturerNaval Torpedo Station Newport
Naval Torpedo Station Keyport
Naval Ordnance Plant St. Louis
No. built9600[1]
Specifications
Mass3,259 pounds[1]
Length246 inches[1]
Diameter21 inches[1]

Effective firing range4,500 yards[1]
WarheadMk 16 Mod 6, HBX[1]
Warhead weight643 pounds[1]
Detonation
mechanism
Mk 6 Mod 13 contact exploder[1]

EngineTurbine[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]

See also

References

  1. Jolie, E.W. (15 September 1978). "A Brief History of US Navy Torpedo Development: Torpedo Mk23". Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  2. Torpedoes Mark 14 and 23 Types. United States Navy. 24 March 1945.
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