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Mk 67 SLMM self-propelled mine

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

---- Submarine-Launched Mobile Mine (full designation)

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Naval Mines/Torpedoes -- Mines

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PICTURES OF: Mk 67 SLMM self-propelled mine

DESCRIPTION

The Submarine-Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM) is a self-propelled torpedo-like mine that permits covert mining by submarines in waters that
are inaccessible to other means of delivery. It is also a shallow-water bottom mine (to depths less than 328 ft/100 m) for use against surface
ships.

The SLMM can deploy, under its own power, to a maximum of 8.6 nm (10 mi; 16 km) from its launch location.

The SLMM consists of a modified Mk 37 Mod 2 torpedo with the wire-guidance equipment removed and warhead replaced by a mine.

The Mk 67 is an analog weapon, requiring adaptation when being fired by a modern United States digital submarine fire control system.

PICTURES

STATUS

Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved in 1992. Development began in 1977-1978 with plans to produce 2,421 by 1982.

Delays in development and chronic funding problems pushed the service introduction date to 1992. By that point, only 889 had been produced
under SLMM funding, although others may have been converted with torpedo-refurbishment funding.

In FY1998, the Mk 67 was declared surplus to defense requirements and plans were made to remove the weapon system from U.S. inventory;
however, the mines were later reactivated as the result of a fleet request and remain in service as of this update.

Procurement was as follows:

FY82: 101
FY83: 266
FY84: 242
FY85: 280

The U.S. Navy is eliminating older Mk 67s from inventory as maintenance dates expire.
The U.S. Navy conducted successful tests of the Mk 67 SLMM during a Submarine-Launched Mobile Mine Exercise (SLMM-Ex) conducted
off the coast of Kauai at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in early October 2013, according to a COMSUBPAC press release at the
time.

BUILDER(S)
Raytheon Naval & Maritime Integrated Systems Co.,
Portsmouth, R.I. (formerly Dewey Electronics)

USERS/PLATFORMS
USA
Navy
submarines (except early boats of the LOS ANGELES (SSN-668) class)

CHARACTERISTICS
WEIGHTS
overall 1,759 lb (798 kg)
warhead 529 lb (240 kg)
DIMENSIONS
length 13 ft 5 in (4.08 m)
diameter
mine 21 in (533 mm)
torpedo 19 in (485 mm)
PROPULSION
electric motor
PERFORMANCE
maximum depth approx. 328 ft (100 m)
WARHEAD
PBXN-103 high-explosive
SENSORS/FIRE CONTROL
magnetic/seismic firing mechanism

VARIANTS

Extended SLMM
This is a Honeywell Marine Systems proposal incorporating the NT-37E torpedo.

Improved SLMM Mk 67

This development began in 1993. It is a converted Mk 48 Mod 4 torpedo with twin warheads that can be deployed separately. Navigation
will allow the plotting of multiple waypoints over a longer range than the current SLMM. It is also equipped with a target detection
device (TDD) Mk 71.

ISSUES AND NOTES

Production has been well short of the procurement goals of the early 1980s. Plans to manufacture up to 840 units from 1985-1988 were not
completed.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Alliant proposed replacing the Mk 67's analog controller with a programmable digital solid-state guidance and control system from the NT-
37F torpedo in 1992-93. In 1995, Alliant reported that this upgrade would extend the maintenance cycle from 18 months to six years.

Mk 67s deployed on LOS ANGELES-class submarines are equipped with a smaller guidance and control system, shortening the mine's length
and permitting two to be stowed on each rack.

The Mk 67 service SLMM body, mine main assembly Mk 4, is painted green; the explosive section Mk 13 has a galvanized finish. The inert
loaded explosive section Mk 13 or exercise head assembly Mk 91 is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 November 2014

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