OVERVIEW: The Type 89 is a heavyweight, submarine-launched, dual-purpose torpedo adopted by Japan in 1989 and designed to engage both submarines and surface ships. It uses wire-guidance combined with active and passive acoustic homing for midcourse and terminal targeting.

DETAILS: The Type 89 (“Type” refers to the year 1989) was developed by Japan’s Technical Research and Development Institute under the project code G‑RX2 and is occasionally referred to internally as G‑12. It is 533 mm in diameter, 6.25 m long, and weighs approximately 1,760 kg. The propulsion system uses a swash-plate piston engine fueled by Otto Fuel II, allowing speeds up to 55 knots and a range of approximately 27 nautical miles at 40 knots. It is equipped with a 267 kg warhead and can operate at depths up to 500 m (increased to 900 m in later production). The torpedo employs wire-guidance during the initial phase, transitioning to acoustic homing for terminal engagement.

TYPE: Heavyweight anti-submarine/anti-surface torpedo

FUNCTION: The Type 89 is launched from submarine 533 mm torpedo tubes and is designed to locate and destroy both submerged and surface targets using wire-guided mid-course navigation, switching to active or passive acoustic homing in the terminal phase. Its 267 kg warhead detonates on contact or via proximity fuse once the target is acquired.

NOTE:
IOC: 1989 (Type 89)
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
Operators: Japan
Platforms: Harushio-class, Sōryū-class submarines

SOURCE: Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems 2006–2007 ; The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems (Friedman) ; WeaponsSystems.net: https://www.weaponsystems.net/system/680-Type+89