An aerial torpedo (also known as an airborne torpedo or air-dropped torpedo) is a torpedo launched from an aircraft into the water, after which the weapon propels itself to the target. They are generally smaller and lighter than submarine- or ship-launched torpedoes.
First used in World War I, aerial torpedoes were used extensively in World War II by torpedo bombers against large surface vessels, especially in aircraft carrier-dominated naval battles of the Pacific War. They remain in limited use today mainly for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) by maritime patrol aircraft and naval helicopters.