Navy Torpedo Program

The upgrade of the Navy's MK-48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) torpedo propulsion system to reduce noise levels is unnecessary. Having announced in January 1992 that the existing torpedo system will meet the needs of the SSN-21 Seawolf, the latest generation nuclear attack submarine, the Navy now plans to use the upgrade on other submarines. The higher noise levels of these submarines, however, could limit the upgrade's usefulness. The upgrade is not intended to nor will it satisfy the Navy's torpedo noise reduction requirements, nor will it significantly contribute to the technology necessary to meet those goals. In addition, the Navy has ongoing research in alternative noise reduction technologies that can be used to develop future propulsion systems.

GAO found that: (1) the current system would meet the Navy's requirements for the SSN-21 Seawolf submarine; (2) the Seawolf will have a very limited production run; (3) the Navy is continuing the development of the upgrade and will make it available to submarines that can fire MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes, although they operate at higher noise levels than the Seawolf, which limits the value of the quieter system; (4) the upgrade was not intended to meet and will not lead to meeting the Navy's 1986 noise reduction requirements; (5) the Navy has basic and exploratory research programs in alternative noise reduction technologies; and (6) cancelling the upgrade and continuing the other research would be in line with the Department of Defense's (DOD) revised weapons acquisition strategy.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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