MK-54 Torpedo Mods

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The <b>MK-54 Torpedo Mods</b> program is a critical component of the Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, focusing on the procurement and modernization of lightweight torpedoes (LWT) for deployment from surface ships and ASW aircraft. The overarching goal of this line item is to ensure the Navy maintains a technologically current and operationally effective inventory of MK-54 torpedoes, capable of countering evolving submarine threats in both shallow littoral and deep-water environments. The program supports the acquisition of hardware kits, engineering services, support equipment, and test and evaluation efforts necessary to sustain and enhance the torpedo fleet.
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MK-54 MOD 0 Kits are procured to upgrade the existing inventory of lightweight torpedoes using Non-Developmental Item (NDI) technologies and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) processors. The MOD 0 kits include processor group assemblies, control group assemblies, inertial measurement units, and afterbody components. The program also funds array nose assembly kits, engineering services, non-recurring engineering for manufacturing and testing, installation into All Up Rounds (AUR), and efforts to address diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS) to preempt obsolescence in electronic components.
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MK-54 MOD 1 Kits represent the next evolution of the torpedo, building on MOD 0 improvements to enhance performance in shallow water and improve resistance to adversary countermeasures. The MOD 1 kits are sourced from two contractors and include upgraded afterbody components, a new 112-element array, and advanced processor assemblies. Funding also covers engineering change proposals (ECPs) to address obsolescence, non-recurring engineering for manufacturing and testing, and government installation into AURs. DMS funding ensures continued availability of critical commercial materials.
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High Altitude ASW Weapon Capability (HAAWC) is a key objective within the program, providing the P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) with the ability to deploy MK-54 torpedoes from high altitudes. This is accomplished through the procurement of Air Launch Accessory (ALA) kits, which expand the operational envelope of the torpedo. The program funds HAAWC kit procurement, engineering services for redesign and qualification, production engineering support, and DMS mitigation to ensure compatibility with evolving aircraft and mission requirements.
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Fleet Exercise Systems (FES) are funded to support in-water acceptance testing, fleet exercises, and operational/developmental testing of MK-54 kits. These systems are essential for validating torpedo performance and supporting training and readiness objectives. The program also includes funding for support and test equipment at Naval Undersea Warfare Centers (NUWC) and contractor facilities, ensuring effective assembly, integration, and maintenance of the torpedo systems.
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Additional objectives of the MK-54 Torpedo Mods line item include in-house and contractor production engineering, quality assurance, and acceptance test and evaluation. These efforts are performed primarily by NUWC Newport and Keyport, focusing on configuration management, risk analysis, technical problem resolution, software maintenance, and oversight of contractor performance. Funding ensures that production specifications are maintained, root causes of hardware failures are addressed, and deficiencies are corrected through rigorous quality assurance and acceptance testing.
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The FY 2026 budget request for the MK-54 Torpedo Mods program is structured to address both discretionary and mandatory requirements. The focus is on procurement of MOD 1 kits, HAAWC kits, support equipment, and associated engineering and quality assurance activities. The program's objectives are justified by the need to maintain a credible and effective ASW capability in the face of advancing submarine technologies and to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Navy's lightweight torpedo inventory through proactive modernization and sustainment efforts.
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