OVERVIEW: The Mk52 is a 1,000 lb air-delivered bottom influence mine developed by the United States Navy for anti-ship and anti-submarine operations in shallow and coastal waters. It uses programmable magnetic, acoustic, or pressure fuzing for selective detonation.

DETAILS: The Mk52 was introduced in 1962 as a modular influence mine derived from standard 1,000 lb general-purpose bomb bodies. It supports multiple fuze configurations including magnetic (Mod 1), acoustic (Mod 2), magnetic-pressure (Mod 3), and acoustic-pressure (Mod 4), enabling flexible deployment against various vessel types. Each mine includes programmable ship counters, arming delays (ranging from hours to months), and self-sterilization features. It was designed for high-volume deployment from tactical aircraft to deny access to strategic chokepoints or harbors. The mine arms after settling on the seabed and remains passive until triggered by preset influence thresholds.

FUNCTION: After being dropped from an aircraft, the Mk52 settles on the sea floor and passively monitors environmental signals. When its influence sensors detect a qualifying target signature, it triggers detonation to damage or destroy the vessel.

NOTE:
IOC: 1962
Operators: United States Navy
Platforms: P-3 Orion, F/A-18, A-6 Intruder, other tactical aircraft
Conflict used in: Vietnam War (selective mining operations), Cold War deterrence

SOURCE: U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Manual ; NAVEDTRA 14152A Mineman Rating Manual ; Jane’s Mines and Mine Clearance ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/sea/mk52.htm ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/mk52.htm