What would a Second World War Mark 48 torpedo change?
Short answerIt would greatly strengthen ASW, potentially replacing some contemporary weapons and allowing smaller escorts to threaten submarines more effectively.
NotesA Mark 48-style weapon is treated as a transformative anti-submarine capability if transplanted into the Second World War. Contemporary submarines were not especially quiet by modern standards, so an effective homing torpedo would make detection far more dangerous. In this hypothetical, the weapon is light enough relative to larger anti-ship torpedoes for use from small combatants and could reduce reliance on anti-submarine mortars. Its size and launch options could change fleet structure as well as individual engagements.