Mark 27 torpedo

Nicknamed "Cutie" by submarine crews, the Mark 27 entered service in 1943 as a defensive weapon. The torpedo was classified as obsolete in the 1960s. The Mark 27 was essentially a Mark 24 mine which had been modified for submarine launching in a 21-inch (53 cm) submerged torpedo tube by the addition of 1" (25 mm) wooden guide studs mounted on the torpedo's outer shell.

• Name — Mark 27 torpedo • Origin — United States • Type — Acoustic torpedo • Is Ranged — yes • Is Explosive — yes • Is Missile — yes • Service — 1943-1960 • Used By — United States Navy • Wars — World War II • Designer — Bell Telephone Laboratories • Manufacturer — Western Electric • Design Date — 1943 • Number — 1000 • Variants — Mark 27 Mod 4 • Weight — 720 lb • Length — 90 in • Diameter — 19 in (21 in guide rails) • Range — 5000 yd (approx. 12 minutes search duration) • Filling — Mk 27 Mod 0 • Detonation — Mk 11 Mod 2 contact exploder • Engine — Electric • Speed — 12 kn • Guidance — Gyroscope • Launch Platform — Submarines

• Name — Mark 27 Mod 4 torpedo • Origin — United States • Type — Acoustic torpedo • Is Ranged — yes • Is Explosive — yes • Is Missile — yes • Service — 1946-1960 • Used By — United States Navy • Designer — Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University • Manufacturer — Avco Naval Ordnance Station Forest Park • Design Date — 1946 • Production Date — 1946-1954 • Number — 3000 • Weight — 1175 lb • Length — 125.75 in • Diameter — 19 in (with 21 in guide rails) • Range — 6200 yd (12 minutes search duration) • Filling — Mk 27 Mod 2, HBX • Filling Weight — 128 lb • Detonation — Mk 11 Mod 2 contact exploder • Engine — Electric • Speed — 15.9 kn • Guidance — Gyroscope • Launch Platform — Submarines The Mark 27 Mod 4 torpedo was designed by the Ordnance Research Laboratory of Pennsylvania State University in 1946 as an improved version of the Mark 27 torpedo. Fully compatible with electrical setting fire control systems through the use of the standard 65-pin umbilical cable, this weapon was in service on submarines for about ten years. It was withdrawn from service use in 1960 with the introduction of the Mark 37 torpedo.