United States of America
ASROC RUR-5A and VLA
Updated 25 February 2012
The Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) was designed as a standoff ASW for surface ships.  Many NATO and other Allied Nations also used this weapon during the 1960s through the 1980s.  It carried either a Mark 46 torpedo or a nuclear depth bomb.

The Vertical Launched ASROC (VLA) version is an ASROC modified to be fired from the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
WMUS_ASROC_Norfolk_pic.jpg

Loading ASROC on USS Norfolk DL-1
Note that the launchers are denoted top to bottom, left to right in Roman Numerals
USN Photograph
WMUS_ASROC_Columbus_pic.jpg

ASROC "Pepper Box" Launcher on USS Columbus CG-12 in 1962
Note shipping container, which may hold an ASROC Missile
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 98463
WMUS_ASROC_VLA_pic.jpg

ASROC VLA
Photograph copyrighted by Lockheed Martin
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Description


Designation
(see Note)		 ASROC RUR-5A
ASROC VLA RUM 139A and RUM 139B
Ship Class Used On Many
Date In Service RUR-5A:  1960
VLA:  1993 (RUM139A); 1996 (RUM139B)
Weight RUR-5A, Mod 3:  957 lbs. (434.1 kg)
RUR-5A, Mod 4:  1,073 lbs. (486.7 kg)
VLA:  Warshot - 1,407 lbs. (633.15 kg) / Exercise - 1,377 lbs (619.65 kg)
Dimensions RUR-5A
   13.25 x 177.4 in (33.7 x 450.6 cm), wingspan 33 in (84 cm)

VLA
   Warshot - 192.6 x 16.6 in (485 x 42.2 cm), wingspan 26.87 in (68.3 cm)
   Exercise - 200.0 x 16.6 in (504 x 42.2 cm), wingspan 26.87 in (68.3 cm)
Payload RUR-5A Mod 3:  Mark 44 torpedo
RUR-5A Mod 4:  Mark 46 torpedo
RUR-5A Mod 5:  Mark 17 Depth Bomb (W44 Warhead)
VLA:  Mark 46 or Mark 50 Torpedo
Range RUR-5A:  Minimum 900 yards (800 m), Maximum 10,000 yards (9,100 m)
VLA:  Minimum 1,000 yards (900 m), Maximum 15,000 yards (13,700 m)
Propulsion RUR-5A:  Rocket Booster
VLA:  Rocket Booster
Note:  The RUM 139A used the Mark 46 Mod 5A(S) torpedo as its payload.  The RUM 139B uses the Mark 46 Mod 5A(SW) which is capable of operating in more shallow waters than its predecessor.  All ASROCs were to be upgraded to the RUM 139B standard by the end of Fiscal Year 2001.
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Data from
"Naval Weapon Systems 1991/1992" by Norman Friedman
U.S. Navy Fact File
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"The French Navy under Steam" picture essay in "United States Naval Institute Proceedings" Vol. 88, No. 7, July 1962
Page History

06 May 2005 - Benchmark
25 February 2012 - Added picture of Norfolk