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Mk 60 CAPTOR mine/torpedo system

----- ARCHIVED RECORD -----

VARIANT(S) AND/OR ALTERNATE NAME(S):

---- enCAPsulated TORpedo (full designation)

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Naval Mines/Torpedoes -- Mines

Naval Mines/Torpedoes -- Torpedoes
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PICTURES OF: Mk 60 CAPTOR mine/torpedo system

DESCRIPTION

The Mk 60 CAPTOR was the U.S. Navy's principal anti-submarine mine laid in a barrier pattern in deep water by aircraft or submarines. Each
CAPTOR mine consists of a container that contains a threat analyzer and acoustic signature library, a Mk 46 Mod 4 anti-submarine warfare
(ASW) torpedo and an an chor.

As the container descends, it pays out the anchor, which drops to the sea floor. The container finds its preset surveillance depth and "floats"
vertically at the upper end of its tether. Using a passive acoustic sensor, the CAPTOR detects moving submarines while ignoring surface ships.

When the submarine target's bearing is established, CAPTOR begins active tracking using Reliable Acoustic Path (RAP) sound propagation.
As the target comes within range of the torpedo's seeker, the container begins filling with water. The flooding is controlled in a way that tilts
the canister to a n angle 30 degrees from the vertical. The torpedo is released, finds its own search depth and searches with its passive acoustic
homing seeker.

Reports suggest that Captor may have a self-destruct mechanism. It has also been conjectured that CAPTOR mines have a deployed lifetime of
approximately six months. It is unknown whether that represents the limits of current technology or the U.S. Navy?s target lifetime for the
CAPTOR .

PICTURES
STATUS
Initial operational capability (IOC) 1979. Development of the CAPTOR concept began in 1961; production started in March 1976. Production
completed in 1985 with approximately 630 built. No longer in service; however, a few CAPTORs are likely held in reserve. No exports of
CAPTOR have been reported.

A modification program was planned, but not funded.

A program developing a remote control system (RECO) by acoustic signal was cancelled in FY91.

Procurement as follows:
FY78-80 1,810
FY81 0
FY82 400
FY83 300
FY84 300
FY85 300
FY86 150 (unrequested)
Total 3,260 mines

Original procurement target was 5,785 mines.

BUILDER(S)
Lockheed Martin (formerly Loral, formerly Goodyear Aerospace), Akron, Ohio

CHARACTERISTICS
WEIGHTS
air-dropped 2,370 lb (1,075 kg)
submarine-launched 2,055 lb ( 932 kg)
warhead 98 lb ( 44 kg) high-explosive
DIMENSIONS
length 12 ft 1 in (3.68 m)
diameter 21 in (533 mm) mine
12.75 in (324 mm) Mk 46 torpedo
PERFORMANCE
max depth 3,000 ft (914 m)
max range 3,281 ft (1,000 m) detection range
WARHEAD
conventional high-explosive
SENSORS/FIRE CONTROL
guidance passive acoustic monitoring switching to
active once target is identified as
submarine; monitoring is not
continuous but turns on and off
according to programmed schedule
VARIANTS

Mod 1
Improved target detection capability, substituting a NEARTIP Mk 46 Mod5 torpedo for mod 4. All Mod 0 were converted to Mod 1.
Shallower minimum depth with a 984-ft (300-m) mooring depth capability.

Mod 2
Aborted upgrade program, substituted a hybrid Mod 6 torpedo.

ISSUES AND NOTES

The Mk 60 suffered significant development and technical problems leading to several production delays. In view of the increasing size and
ruggedness of Russian submarines, the Mk 46 's small warhead is a severe limitation. Also, the mine cannot engage a submarine traveling on
the surface.

Budget constraints cut CAPTOR procurement in fiscal years 1985-1987 from a planned 1,568 to 450. Total procurement fell short of the 5,785
originally stated as a requirement.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Mine Mk 66 is the training version of the Mk 60 CAPTOR .

PROGRAM COST
FY78: US$113,000
FY86: US$377,000

LATEST UPDATE: 1 June 2008

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