OVERVIEW: The Type 72 is a Japanese straight‑running heavyweight torpedo introduced in 1972. It was designed for submarine and torpedo‑boat launch using high‑speed bipropellant propulsion without guidance.

DETAILS: “Type” is Japan’s designation; “72” reflects its 1972 service entry and stems from the G‑5B development project. The torpedo is 533 mm in diameter and uses a high‑test peroxide and ethanol bipropellant system to achieve wake‑suppressed propulsion and speeds of up to 50 kn. It carried an HBX‑1 warhead and followed a straight preset course without active or passive homing. Its effective range at top speed was approximately 5 km, and it was deployed on submarines such as the Uzushio class and Type 11 torpedo boats before being retired in 1994.

TYPE: Heavyweight Straight‑Running Anti‑Surface Torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from 533 mm tubes on submarines or torpedo boats, it propelled itself along a fixed path using HTP/ethanol propulsion. Its high speed and wake‑suppression made it a challenging threat despite lacking homing guidance.

NOTE:
IOC: 1972
Manufacturer: Japan (TRDI; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Operators: Japan

SOURCE:
Wikipedia “Japanese 53 cm torpedo”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_53_cm_torpedo; NavWeaps “Post‑World War II Torpedoes of Japan”: http://navweaps.com/Weapons/WTJAP_PostWWII.php