OVERVIEW: The Mk 46 NEARTIP Mod 5 is a lightweight U.S. Navy torpedo introduced in 1979–1984 as part of the Near-Term Improvement Program, offering significant enhancements in anti-submarine capability. It features dual-speed Otto-fuel propulsion, advanced sonar, and improved counter-countermeasure resistance.

DETAILS: “Mod 5” originates from the NEARTIP upgrade applied to Mod 2 torpedoes in 1979, with production beginning in July 1979 and becoming prevalent by 1981–1984. It retains the 12.75 in (324 mm) diameter and ~8 ft (2.59 m) length, weighing about 508 lb (231 kg). Mod 5 introduced a new digital control system using CMOS electronics, a new passive/active sonar transducer optimized against anechoic-coated submarines, and quieter dual-speed propulsion (~30 kn for search, >40 kn for terminal) delivering ~11 km range. Its improved signal processing reduces false contacts in shallow water and enhances target discrimination. These upgrades were so extensive that Mod 5 is often called virtually a new torpedo, with kits allowing retrofit of older Mods 1–2.

TYPE: Lightweight ship/air-launched active/passive acoustic homing torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from Mk 32 tubes, ASROC, aircraft or helicopters, it employs dual-speed propulsion—quieter 30 kn search mode, faster >40 kn attack run—under active/passive sonar control. Its optimized seeker and processing enable effective engagement of modern submarines, including anechoic-coated hulls, even in shallow water.

NOTE:
IOC: Circa July 1979 (production); entered widespread service 1981–1984
Manufacturer: Alliant Techsystems, Aerojet, Honeywell (USA); Mitsubishi licensed production (Japan)
Operators: United States; licensed use by Japan and at least nine other allied navies
Platforms: Surface warships, ASW aircraft (e.g., P‑3 Orion), ASW helicopters (SH‑60), RUM-139 ASROC, Mk 60 CAPTOR mines 

SOURCE: Mark 46 torpedo (Wikipedia); Modern Torpedoes and Countermeasures – Indian Navy; NavWeaps “Post‑World War II Torpedoes of the United States”; War Thunder Wiki “12.75 inch Mark 46”; VP‑4 Association data on Mod 5A (SW)

