Which anti-submarine weapon fired a circular pattern of depth charges ahead of the attacking ship?

• A. Depth Charge Rack
• B. Hedgehog Weapon
• C. Mark 46 Torpedo
• D. ASROC

Answer: (B)

Forward-throw anti-submarine weapons target the submarine ahead of the ship, letting the attacker strike without losing sonar contact or having to pass directly over the target. Hedgehog does this by firing a circular pattern of small, contact-fused charges ahead of the vessel. If a submarine is in the path, it is hit by one of the charges on contact, and the ship can quickly assess the result and continue the hunt if needed. This forward, circular pattern is distinctive of Hedgehog and different from dropping charges behind the ship, launching a torpedo, or delivering a weapon from a distance.

Depth charge racks release charges off the stern or sides, not in a forward circular pattern. The Mark 46 torpedo is a self-propelled homing weapon, not a pattern of charges. ASROC launches a rocket-delivered munition at a distance, not a spread of charges in front of the ship.