Torpedo Support Equipment

The LI 3301 - Torpedo Support Equipment program is a critical component of the U.S. Navy's Weapons Procurement budget, supporting the sustainment, readiness, and modernization of torpedo systems across the fleet. The primary goal of this line item is to procure, maintain, and upgrade the support equipment and expendable components necessary to ensure operational readiness for both lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes. This includes supporting anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) missions for surface ships, submarines, and air platforms.

Lightweight Torpedo Support Equipment (LWT TSE) focuses on the procurement of 4T components, such as batteries, pressure cylinders, igniters, and fuel shutoff valves, to support both exercise and warshot torpedo builds. The objectives include providing necessary material for fleet proficiency training, maintaining an inventory of ready-for-issue warshot torpedoes, and supporting the assembly of new production MK-54 warshots. The program also covers the procurement of Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (VLA) refurbishment kits, air launch frame assemblies, and other accessories to meet fleet loadout requirements. The upcoming budget reflects an increase in VLA refurbishment kits to address increased operational demand.

Lightweight Other Equipment Investment is dedicated to procuring, installing, and supporting Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) and Ordnance Alteration (ORDALT) material. The objective is to retrofit torpedoes and associated support/test equipment to the latest ready-for-issue configuration, ensuring that the Navy's lightweight torpedo inventory remains current with evolving technical standards and safety requirements. The request in this area is slightly reduced due to a decrease in safety stock procurements, reflecting improved inventory management.

Recoverable Exercise Torpedo (REXTORP) funding provides for the procurement of inert, reusable exercise torpedoes used in fleet ASW training. These REXTORPs are essential for maintaining crew proficiency and readiness without expending live warshot torpedoes. The procurement includes REXTORP bodies, fire control modules, and containers, supporting a broad range of training scenarios for fixed wing, rotary, and surface-launched platforms.

Heavyweight Torpedo Support Equipment (HWT TSE) addresses the procurement of 4T components for heavyweight torpedoes, including the MK 48 MOD 6/7 variants. The program's objectives are to support exercise torpedo builds, maintain warshot torpedo inventories, and facilitate the assembly of modernized components into All-Up-Round configurations. Key components procured include wire coils, flex hoses, Otto Fuel, igniters, and WES Expansion Boxes. The upcoming budget includes an increase for WES Expansion Boxes to meet higher fleet requirements.

Heavyweight Other Equipment Investment supports the acquisition of modernized Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and other test assets required for comprehensive system testing of all MK 48 torpedo variants. This investment ensures that torpedoes meet operational standards through factory acceptance, proofing, periodic maintenance, and conversion activities. The budget reflects an increase to ramp up MK710 ATE non-recurring engineering, begin procurement of replacement rotors, and add Functional Item Replacement test equipment to increase intermediate maintenance activity throughput.

Across both lightweight and heavyweight lines, the program also funds Production Engineering (In-House and Contractor), Quality Assurance, and Acceptance Test and Evaluation. These activities, conducted by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Divisions at Keyport and Newport, ensure effective program planning, data management, acquisition engineering, software management, and configuration control. Quality assurance and acceptance testing are vital for identifying and resolving component failures, maintaining product reliability, and certifying new and refurbished equipment for fleet use. These objectives ensure that the Navy's torpedo inventory remains safe, reliable, and ready to support evolving operational requirements.