| Mark 31 torpedo | |
|---|---|
| Type | Acoustic torpedo[1] |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | never in service |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Underwater Sound Laboratory, Harvard University[1] Ordnance Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University |
| Designed | 1944[1] |
| Manufacturer | Naval Torpedo Station Newport |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2800 pounds[1] |
| Length | 246 inches[1] |
| Diameter | 21 inches[1] |
| Effective firing range | 4000 yards[1] |
| Warhead | Mk 31, HBX[1] |
| Warhead weight | 500 pounds[1] |
| Engine | Electric[1] |
| Maximum speed | 29 knots[1] |
Guidance system | Gyroscope[1] |
Launch platform | Destroyers[1] |
The Mark 31 torpedo was a destroyer-launched acoustic torpedo developed by the Harvard and Pennsylvania State universities during World War II. A modification of the Mark 18 electric torpedo, it was conceived as an interim weapon to be used in the Pacific War until a new high-speed acoustic torpedo could be developed for the United States Navy.[1]
Further development of the torpedo was terminated due to the status of other more promising programs, notably the Mark 16 torpedo and the Mark 35 torpedo.