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The Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (Mk 32 SVTT) system is a pair of launchers fitted to warships. Each launcher carries three tubes capable of discharging a lightweight torpedo like the Mk 46, Mk 50 or Mk 54. Designed for close-in anti-submarine action, compressed air in a rear flask propels the weapon; the flask also acts as the tube's breech door. Depending on the modification (MOD) number of a particular tube, the mount may be manually or remotely operated from stowed to firing positions and may also be within the structure of the ship. Normal launch is electrically initiated by the fire control panel located in the combat information center of the ship. All of the torpedoes launched are fire-and-forget weapons.
The Mk 32 SVTT, made of fiberglass and aluminum, was originally designed to be weatherproof and capable of protecting loaded torpedoes from the elements; however, the tubes required extensive maintenance to do so. Beginning with the Spruance-class destroyer, designers placed Mk 32s inside the superstructure, usually within spaces that allowed additional weapon storage. In a fully ready condition, these tubes could be trained and fired remotely without any direct contact.
The breech device on the Mk 32 consists of a high pressure airflask that could be charged and stowed either on the tube or separately (on inside mounts only). When installed and with the muzzle cover removed, the tube is fired either remotely (electrical) or manually by opening the firing valve and allowing the flask to discharge its "air slug" directly into the tube. A small portion of this air operates a retraint latch and the torpedo is ejected clear of the ship's side where gravity drops it in the water.
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