Type 89 torpedo

The Type 89 torpedo (development name G-RX2) is a Japanese submarine-launched homing torpedo produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It replaced the unguided Type 72 torpedo. Development was done by the Technical Research and Development Institute, a department of the Ministry of Defense, and began in 1970, with the design completed by 1984. Developed from the Type 80 torpedo, it is similar in its capabilities to the United States Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo. After being formally approved in 1989 and named "Type 89", it entered service and is currently carried aboard the Harushio, Oyashio, and Sōryū class submarines. It was also carried by the Yuushio class submarines before they were retired from active service in 2006.

It is a wire-guided torpedo that features both active and passive homing modes. Compared to Mk-48 (ADCAP) torpedo, it is slightly longer (6.25 m to 5.79 m) and heavier (1,760 kg to 1,676 kg), but has a smaller warhead (267 kg to 295 kg). However, it can be used at a greater depth (900 m vs. 800 m for the Mk-48).

A succeeding design is in development under the development name of "G-RX6".

Specifications

• Length: 6,250 mm (20.51 ft)
• Weight: 1,760 kg (3,900 lb)
• Diameter: 533 mm (21 in)
• Warhead: 267 kg (590 lb)
• Speed: 55 knots (102 km/h) maximum possibly 70 knots (130 km/h)
• Range: 27 nautical miles (50 km) at 40 knots (74 km/h), 21 nautical miles (39 km) at 55 knots (102 km/h).
• Operating depth: 900 m

References

• Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems 2006-2007.