Definition

Noun: A homing torpedo is a self-propelled underwater missile designed to be launched against ships or submarines. Its defining characteristic is an internal guidance system that allows it to detect and steer itself toward a target, typically by homing in on a signal such as sound emitted by the target's engines or propellers.

Usage

The term is used specifically in military and naval contexts to describe an advanced type of torpedo with autonomous targeting capabilities. - The submarine fired a homing torpedo that locked onto the freighter's acoustic signature. - Modern homing torpedoes are a significant threat due to their ability to pursue an evading target.

Advanced Usage

• Acoustic homing torpedo: A common type that guides itself using sound waves.
  • The acoustic homing torpedo was drawn to the loudest noise in the water.
• Wire-guided homing torpedo: A variant where the torpedo remains connected to the launching vessel by a thin wire, allowing for manual course corrections before its internal homing system takes over for the final approach.
  • The operator steered the wire-guided homing torpedo until its onboard seeker acquired the target.

Variants and Related Words

• Torpedo (n): The broader category of underwater projectiles, which includes unguided (straight-running) models.
• Acoustic homing (n): The specific guidance method based on sound detection.
• Seeker (n): The component within the torpedo that detects the target signal.

Synonyms

• Guided torpedo
• Target-seeking torpedo

Related Phrases

• To home in on: (Phrasal verb) To move directly toward a target, especially by following a signal. This verb phrase describes the core action of the weapon.
  • The missile was designed to home in on radar emissions.
• Passive homing: A guidance mode where the weapon listens for signals emitted by the target without itself emitting any.
  • A passive homing torpedo is very difficult to detect.
• Active homing: A guidance mode where the weapon emits its own signal (e.g., sonar pings) and listens for the echo from the target.
  • An active homing torpedo reveals its position but is effective in cluttered environments.

Noun

1. a torpedo that is guided to its target (as by the sound of a ship's engines)