MK-48 ADCAP

The MK-48 ADCAP Research Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program, is a part of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Afterbody Upgrades Future Naval Capability (FNC) program. The primary goal of this program is to develop technologies that enhance torpedo effectiveness and transition these improvements to the MK 48 MOD 7, MOD 8, and MOD 9 upgrades. The program focuses on incremental development in two key areas: Advanced Processor Builds (APBs) for operational software and Torpedo Technology Insertions (TIs) for hardware. It leverages joint United States/Australia Armaments Cooperative Project (ACP) and develops MK 48 ADCAP technologies in collaboration with ONR and SCO. The program aims to address critical operating areas such as shallow water to counter near-peer adversaries and third world diesel electric submarines.

The specific objectives of Program PE 0205632N include the development of advanced processor builds (APBs) for operational software and torpedo technology insertions (TIs) for hardware. This includes the implementation of changes to weapon tactics and software algorithms based on in-water testing and laboratory simulation efforts. Additionally, the program aims to provide significant torpedo hardware improvements and upgrades, including advanced technologies from the R&D community. The MK-48 MOD 8 (APB 6/TI-1) Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) program is a significant upgrade intended to improve performance in the presence of advanced countermeasures, shallow water, low Doppler targets, Very Shallow Water (VSW), improved fuzing, and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). Similarly, the MK-48 MOD 9 (APB 7/TI-2) represents significant improvements to the MK-48 MOD 7 and MOD 8 heavyweight torpedo (HWT), including propulsion upgrades providing extended range and advanced sensing capabilities against surface and subsurface targets. These objectives are aimed at enhancing the Navy's operational systems development capabilities through research, development, test, and evaluation efforts.