BAE to provide VLS Mk 41 missile canisters to US Navy
BAE Systems has received a contract modification to provide additional Vertical Launching System (VLS) Mk 41 missile canisters to the US Navy, the company said on 13 April.
The $52.9 million contract modification will see BAE produce canisters used to ship, store and launch various types of missiles from navy ships. The canisters are positioned within the Mk 41 VLS, which is located below a ship’s armoured deck.
Work on the contract modification will continue through June 2017, and the full contract will continue through June 2019.
VLS canisters serve as missile shipping and storage containers and, with a rocket motor exhaust, serve as a launch rail to support fly-out during missile firings. They also provide identification and firing support to multiple missile types, including Tomahawks, Standard Missile-3, Standard Missile-6, and SeaSparrow.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.