The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to TECRO of eighteen (18) MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) Heavy Weight Torpedoes (HWT) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $180 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale this month. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8.
TECRO has requested to buy eighteen (18) MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) Heavy Weight Torpedoes (HWT). Also included are spare parts, support and test equipment, shipping and shipping containers, operator manuals, technical documentation, training, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The total estimated program cost is $180 million. There are no prime contractors associated with this case as all materials will be procured from U.S. Navy stocks. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced Technology (AT) is a heavyweight torpedo designed for optimum effectiveness against all targets, in both littoral and deep-water environments. With guaranteed supportability through 2025, it is a cost-effective, up-to-date configuration of the MK 48 family designed to handle emerging threats. The torpedo is capable of autonomous operation or control via wire link. The MK 48 Mod 6AT features advanced sonar, combined with an advanced digital signal processor for improved low Doppler target detection and a search volume of more than 1.6 billion cubic meters.
All MK 48 torpedoes use Otto Fuel II as the propellant. Hailed as an inexpensive and safe alternative to hydrogen peroxide-based fuels and electric propulsion, Otto Fuel II has an unblemished safety record during 30 years of use on U.S. submarines. It was designed with occupational safety in mind, can be safely stored for decades, and its use does not impose any special construction or isolation requirements. Otto Fuel II is a stable, safe, high-energy density fuel providing longrange capability to MK 48 torpedoes. The MK 48 Mod 6AT has been proven through the successful completion of more than 8,600 Mod 5/6 in-water exercise and warshot trials.
