The designation Mark 28 torpedo does not appear in widely recognized naval or defense reference works, official military inventories, or major historical publications. Consequently, there is a lack of verifiable, detailed information about a weapon system bearing this exact name.
Status of the Term
- The term is not documented in authoritative sources such as the United States Navy's historical weapon lists, NATO publications, or reputable defense encyclopedias.
- No reliable technical specifications, service history, or development background have been identified for a torpedo officially designated “Mark 28”.
Possible Interpretations
- Numerical Designation: In U.S. and allied naval nomenclature, “Mark” (abbreviated “Mk”) followed by a number is commonly used to identify successive models of weapons, including torpedoes (e.g., Mk 48, Mk 46). The number “28” suggests a chronological placement between the well‑known Mk 24 (the “Fido” acoustic homing torpedo) and later models such as the Mk 30 series, but no official record confirms this.
- Confusion with Other Systems: The United States did produce a Mark 28 nuclear bomb (a thermonuclear weapon) and a Mark 28 nuclear depth charge used for anti‑submarine warfare. It is possible that the term “Mark 28 torpedo” has arisen from conflating these nuclear devices with conventional torpedo designations.
- Foreign or Experimental Use: Some navies have employed experimental or prototype torpedoes with internal designations that never entered public service. Without documented evidence, any such usage remains speculative.
Conclusion
Given the absence of corroborated data, the term Mark 28 torpedo cannot be affirmed as an established weapon system in the public domain. Further research in declassified naval archives or specialized defense procurement records would be required to verify whether a torpedo ever carried this designation. Until such sources are identified, the term remains insufficiently documented.
