An acoustic torpedo is a torpedo designed for medium-range use, often fired from a submarine. In general, acoustic torpedoes are equipped with a mid-grade acoustic sensor designed either to detect the sound of churning water from a moving vessel, or actively to locate targets using SONAR. They then alter their course based on apparent location of the source. Acoustic torpedoes can be compared to modern fire-and-forget guided missiles.

One of the first acoustic torpedoes was te G7es T-5 Zaunkönig torpedo deployed in late World War II by the German U-Boat fleet. This weapon was developed to attack merchant ships in convoys. The capture of U-505 marked the first time that Allied forces gained access to this technology.

Since its introduction the acoustic torpedo has proven to be an effective weapon against submarines and surface ships.

Military Examples

• RUR-5 ASROC Vertical Launch Missile
• MK 48 ADCAP Submersion Launch Missile
• MK 24 Passive Homing Surface / Submersible Fire Torpedo
• MK 32 Active Homing Surface / Submersible / Air Fire Torpedo
• MK 15 Surface to Surface Torpedo

Sources

• U-505 | The Exhibit | Artifacts: G7e Torpedo

Torpedoes

Torpeda akustyczna