US Navy contracts Northrop Grumman for MK 48 torpedo deliveries

The U.S. Navy has contracted Northrop Grumman for the delivery of transducer array/nose shell assemblies of the MK 48 heavyweight torpedo.

The MK 48 is the primary offensive weapon deployed from all U.S. Navy submarines.

The initial $9.6 million contract covers engineering and production of 45 MK 48 torpedo transducer array/nose shell assemblies. Three additional options allow for up to 45 units apiece, for a total of up to 180 systems over five years.

The transducer array is the main sensor used to acoustically detect, locate, and guide the torpedo to its intended target.

“Northrop Grumman has a long legacy of torpedo production and we are proud to partner with the U.S. Navy to ensure the viability of the MK 48 torpedo for years to come,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems business unit, Northrop Grumman. “Between the new MK 48 contract and our existing production of the MK 54 torpedo arrays, we are honored to provide the U.S. Navy with affordable and reliable torpedo components and look forward to future opportunities for design and production of advanced, next generation torpedoes for the fleet.”

Work on the contract will be performed at Northrop Grumman’s Annapolis, Maryland facility, Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems’ Braintree, Massachusetts facility, and at additional supplier locations. Completed assemblies will be delivered to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, Washington, for installation into complete MK 48 torpedoes.