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.’