MK-54 Torpedo

Manufacturer: Raytheon

Service: USN

Propulsion: liquid propellant

Speed: 40 knots

Warhead: 96.8 lbs, high-explosive

The MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo was previously known as the Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo (LHT).

The MK 54 Mod 0 Lightweight Torpedo integrates existing torpedo hardware and software from the MK 46, MK 50 and MK 48 torpedo programs with state-of-the-art commercial-off-the-shelf digital signal-processing technology. It incorporates an advanced guidance and control section employing COTS processing technologies and tactical software improvements to significantly increase shallow water counter-countermeasure capability at reduced lifecycle costs. These features provide performance improvements in the most challenging littoral scenarios.

Future development will continue to provide improvements to shallow water performance via software Advanced Processor Build upgrades, and the MK 54 Mod 1 adds a new sonar array assembly and improved processing capability. The MK 54 Mod 0 Lightweight Torpedo reached Initial Operational Capability in 2004. The MK 54 Vertically Launched ASW Rocket (ASROC)(VLA) system reached IOC in 2010.