OVERVIEW: The Mk 48 Mod 7 ADCAP CBASS is the U.S. Navy’s heavyweight submarine-launched torpedo upgrade introduced in 2006–2008, optimized for both shallow-water and deep-ocean anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. It combines fire-and-forget autonomy with optional wire guidance and advanced broadband sonar counter-countermeasure capabilities.

DETAILS: “Mark 48” identifies the U.S. Navy’s 21‑inch heavyweight torpedo family; “Mod 7” designates the Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) upgrade. The torpedo measures approximately 5.8 m long, 533 mm diameter, weighs ~1 676 kg, and carries a 292–295 kg high-explosive warhead. It operates using an Otto Fuel II piston engine with pump-jet, achieving speeds >28 kn (~55 kn peak possible) and depth capability to 1 200 ft (~365 m), with an effective range of ~5 nmi (~10 km). The CBASS upgrade provides multiband active/passive sonar with broadband analogue receiver, improved signal processing, and anti-countermeasure performance. It supports both autonomous fire-and-forget mode or wire guidance with real-time updates post-launch. Co-developed by the U.S. and Royal Australian Navies, it achieved IOC by 2006, with test firings during RIMPAC 2008 by HMAS Waller.

TYPE: Heavyweight submarine-launched wire-guided/ fire-and-forget active/passive acoustic homing torpedo (ADCAP Mod 7 CBASS)

FUNCTION: Launched from 21‑inch torpedo tubes, the torpedo can operate in wire-guided mid-course mode or autonomously via fire-and-forget. Its broadband sonar enables tracking of shallow-water, low-Doppler, fast deep-diving submarines and surface vessels. The pump-jet delivers quiet, high-speed terminal runs before detonating near the target.

NOTE:
IOC: 2006
Manufacturer: Raytheon (guidance), Lockheed Martin (assembly), USA & Australia
Operators: United States; Australia; Canada; Netherlands 
Platforms: U.S. submarines (Los Angeles, Virginia, Seawolf, Ohio classes); allied submarines

SOURCE:
Naval‑Technology “MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS” description; Military & Aerospace Electronics “CBASS version” overview; Australian Defence Magazine “Waller first to fire Mk 48 CBASS” report; Naval Technology CBASS development details; Naval Today “US Navy contracts Lockheed for MK 48 Mod 7 guidance upgrades”