Submarine Flex Hose to Reduce Lead Exposure

The MK48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Heavyweight Torpedo is a primary submarine weapon and has been considered the workhorse of the fleet. Flex hose assemblies are a major connectivity component that provides accurate data exchange between the recently fired torpedo and the submarine. Legacy Flex Hoses use toxic metallic lead for ballast, which poses environmental and health hazards during storage and handling.

TRI Austin developed methods of mitigating sailor exposure hazards due to the metallic lead tape used as ballast in the Flex Hose.  This new flex hose was successfully transitioned into the fleet.