U.S. Navy Mines
Updated: 25 June 2004
Description: Mines are used as an anti-ship or anti-submarine, subsurface weapon
Background: The MK56 ASW mine (the oldest still in use) was developed
in 1966. Since that time, more advances in technology have given way to the
MK62 and MK63 Quickstrike and the MK67 SLMM (Submarine Launched
Mobile Mine). Most mines in today's arsenal are aircraft delivered to target.
Point of contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command (00D)
Washington, DC 20360
General Characteristics MK67 SLMM Submarine Launched Mobile Mine
Primary Function: Destroy enemy shipping.
Additional Background: The SLMM was developed as a submarine deployed mine for use in areas inaccessible for other mine deployment techniques or for covert mining of hostile environments. The SLMM is a shallow water mine consisting basically of a modified MK37 torpedo.
Type: Submarine laid bottom mine.
Detection System: Magnetic/seismic or Magnetic/seismic/pressure target detection devices (TDDs).
Dimensions: 19 inches x 161 inches (48.5 centimeters x 409 centimeters)
Depth Range: Shallow water
Weight: : 1658 pounds (754 kilograms)
Explosives: 510 pounds (230 kilograms) of high explosive
Date Deployed: 1987
General Characteristics MK65 Quickstrike
Primary Function: Destroy enemy shipping.
Additional Background: The Quickstike is a family of shallow water aircraft laid mines used primarily against surface craft. The MK65 is a 2,000 lb mine. Other Quickstrike versions (MK62, MK63, and MK64) are converted general purpose bombs of the 500 lb. and 1000 lb. sizes.
Type: Aircraft laid bottom mine.
Detection System: Magnetic/seismic/pressure target detection devices (TDDs) are used on various models.
Dimensions: 29 inches (across the fins) x 128 inches (74 centimeters x 325 centimeters)
Depth Range:Shallow water
Weight: : 2390 pounds (1086 kilograms)
Explosives: Various loads
Date Deployed: 1983
General Characteristics MK56
Primary Function: Destroy enemy shipping.
Type: Aircraft laid moored mine
Detection System: Total field magnetic exploder.
Dimensions:22.4 inches x 114.3 inches (57 centimeters x 290 centimeters)
Depth Range: Moderate depths
Weight: 2000 pounds (909 kilograms)
Explosives:360 pounds (164 kilograms) HBX-3
Date Deployed: 1966
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