BAE Systems works on MK 41 VLS design and support
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam launches a Tomahawk missile from a MK 41 VLS during a September 2020 exercise. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Hong)
BAE Systems will support launchers and canisters on USN cruisers and destroyers.
BAE Systems has begun design agent work for the mechanical portion of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) under a $164 million contract from the USN.
The company announced on 19 May that it will ‘provide design and support of the system that is embedded in cruisers and destroyers and launches a wide arsenal of offensive and defensive missiles’.
The contract, awarded after a competitive tender, calls for BAE Systems to provide design, development, test, product improvement, and sustaining support for current and legacy VLS systems.
BAE Systems will also continue to design and support canisters used to store, transport, and launch the missiles from the VLS.
The MK 41 VLS can launch missiles such as the Standard Missile SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 variants; the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile; the NATO Seasparrow and Evolved SeaSparrow; and the Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket.
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