USN and FMS customers to receive VLS launch components
Aft MK 41 VLS aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout. (Photo: USN)
DRS Laurel Technologies is supplying Mk 235 Mod 17 and Mod 18 launch control units for the MK 41 Vertical Launch System.
Following a competitive tender, DRS Laurel Technologies has obtained an $11.99 million baseline contract to produce Mk 235 Mod 17 and Mod 18 launch control units (LCUs) for the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
The deal from the Naval Surface Warfare Center includes options that would raise the cumulative value of the contract to $90.47 million, the DoD noted in a 3 June announcement.
Work will be completed by July 2023 or May 2027 if all options are exercised.
The deal comprises purchases for the USN (38% of the contract value) and the following FMS customers: Spain (36%); Australia (10%); South Korea and Finland (5% each); and Germany (4%).
The MK 41 VLS provides area and self-defence and anti-air warfare capabilities, as well as counter-air and land-attack cruise missile defence and surface/anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Each VLS is equipped with two redundant LCUs, which are electrically interfaced with all of the launch sequencers in the system.
The LCUs are used to select and issue prelaunch and launch commands to selected missiles in the VLS.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
