Mk 41 VLS

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin have teamed to produce the Vertical Launching System (VLS) Mk 41 for current and future naval surface combatants. As the U.S. Navy's VLS Mk 41 mechanical design agent, BAE Systems has more than 30 years of experience in the development, production and support of this system for naval forces throughout the world.

The VLS Mk 41 is a highly survivable system with missiles and associated hardware located below the armored deck. Redundant fire control and launcher interface links also enhance system survivability in casualty situations. The VLS Mk 41 capability to simultaneously prepare two missiles in each 8-cell launcher module allows for fast reaction to multiple threats with concentrated, continuous firepower. Multimode operation allows simultaneous interface and missile preparation for discrete anti-aircraft, anti-submarine warfare, strike, naval surface fire support and ballistic missile defense missions. The VLS Mk 41 is highly adaptable to accommodate the latest weapon types to meet new mission requirements.

As the U.S. Navy's VLS Mk 41 missile canister design agent, BAE Systems has developed the Mk 25 Quad-Pack canister, which can vastly increase a ship's self-defense capability. The Mk 25 Quad-Pack allows the system to store and fire four Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) in a canister space that normally contains a single weapon.

In 2006, BAE Systems received two contracts from the U.S. Navy totaling more than $25 million  for missile launching canisters. The first contract is in the amount of $16.3 million, which includes manufacturing 155 new Mk 13 VLS canisters and refurbishing an additional 75 Mk 13 canisters. The second contract is for $9.1 million and is for manufacturing 28 new Mk 25 VLS canisters.

Click here to watch video of the Mk 41 VLS.