American sailors are not sitting still and are actively implementing new technologies. This time, they decided to make a container torpedo launcher called Liberator, which will fire proven Mark 48 ADCAP torpedoes from unmanned surface ships (USVs) and small warships. They even allocated $50 million in the budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
What is the Mark 48 ADCAP?
It is one of the most powerful and intelligent torpedoes in the world. Its caliber is 533 mm, and its range is up to 50 km. She is able to search for targets both by sound (passive guidance) and emits signals herself (active). That is, a boat or a ship — it doesn't matter, it will find and hit. The control is possible via a wire at a distance of up to 18 km, and then it acts on its own.
This torpedo has been in service for a long time and is regularly updated. Now they want to adapt it for new platforms — cheaper and simpler than classic submarines or destroyers.
What is Liberator?
This is not just a new launcher, it is a mobile container that can be quickly installed on any suitable ship, including USV—type drones. This approach makes it possible to effortlessly turn an ordinary boat or drone ship into a serious attack vehicle.
The main advantage is flexibility: if you want, you put it on, if you want, you were transferred to another ship. No complicated body alterations are needed.
Why does the navy need this?
— Drones can now fire torpedoes. Previously, only large ships or submarines were engaged in this. Now, USVs can perform anti—submarine and anti-ship warfare tasks without risking the lives of people on board.
— Fast adaptation. The container system is easy to change, repair and upgrade. This saves a lot of time and money.
— Works on old weapons. Using the proven Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo accelerates the implementation of the new system — no need to develop something from scratch.
If everything goes according to plan, by the middle of the next decade, the US Navy will be able to use its drone ships much more effectively in real operations. This is especially important in the context of the growing popularity of unmanned technologies in modern military operations at sea.
That is, in fact, Liberator can be the very step towards a future fleet where flexibility, automation and minimal risk for crews will be the main advantages.
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