Lockheed opens upgraded VLS production line
Lockheed Martin has opened an upgraded Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) production line at its Middle River facility in Maryland, it announced on 24 March.
The Mk 41 VLS can launch surface-to-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and strike missiles as well as receive orders from multiple weapon control systems. The new line was designed and implemented under a 2014 US Navy contract for continued VLS production. As part of the modernisation effort, the team developed over 80 tools for production flow optimisation. The modernisation was deemed necessary by Lockheed Martin after it received a contract to re-establish deck and hatch production at the Middle River facility.
Stephanie Hill, vice president and general manager, ship and aviation systems business, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘We are proud to continue manufacturing the Mk 41 VLS in Baltimore County and bringing this critical capability to the fleets of the US Navy and its allies. In partnership with the US Navy, we have been delivering, modernising and supporting the MK 41 VLS system for more than 30 years.
‘We, along with our suppliers in Maryland and all over the nation, look forward to continuing to serve our customer with this critical national defence capability.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar]()
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
