Description
U.S. Navy Signals, Underwater Sound (SUS) 70 Mod 0 dummy device
This is an original U.S. Navy Signals, Underwater Sound (SUS) 70 Mod 0 dummy device, often referred to as a SUS F.X. dummy bomb, produced for training, testing, and handling purposes within the U.S. Navy’s underwater sound and anti-submarine warfare programs.
The SUS (Signals, Underwater Sound) series was developed during the Cold War period to support naval research, sonar calibration, and underwater acoustic signaling. These devices were used to simulate operational underwater sound projectors or explosive-effect analogs without containing live ordnance, allowing crews to practice deployment, recovery, and handling procedures safely. Dummy examples such as this were also employed for shipboard drills, transport exercises, and storage configuration testing.
The 70 Mod 0 designation identifies the specific pattern and configuration, with “Mod 0” indicating the initial standardized production variant. As a dummy unit, this example contains no explosive components, fuzing, or energetic material, and was manufactured solely as an inert training and evaluation article.
Physically, SUS dummy units were produced to the same external dimensions and weight profiles as their live counterparts, ensuring realistic handling characteristics. This made them essential tools for naval personnel training and for validating underwater deployment systems without the risks associated with live devices.
Original SUS dummy items are scarce on the collector market, as most were retained by the Navy, expended during training cycles, or disposed of as surplus with little regard for preservation. Surviving examples represent a niche but highly important aspect of U.S. naval ordnance and acoustic warfare history.
This piece is well suited for advanced ordnance collections, Cold War naval displays, or institutional reference collections focused on anti-submarine warfare, sonar development, and U.S. Navy training practices.
Overall length: Approx. 15 Inches
