VLS demand drives contract modifications for Lockheed and DRS
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems and DRS Laurel Technologies were each awarded contracts from the US Naval Surface Warfare Center on 21 May, for work in support of the Vertical Launch System (VLS).
A $48.97 million contract modification for Lockheed Martin will see it exercise options for production of additional MK 5 Mod 2 launch sequencers. The company is expected to complete work by April 2022.
DRS Laurel Technologies will exercise options to manufacture, assemble, test and deliver additional Mk 235 Mod 11 and Mod 12 production units, under a $26.05 million contract modification. It will complete this work by February 2021.
The VLS provides area and self-defence and anti-air warfare capabilities, as well as counter-air and land attack cruise missile defence and surface/ASW capabilities.
Each VLS is equipped with two redundant launch control units, which are electrically interfaced with all of the launch sequencers in the system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Rolls-Royce seals £9 billion deal with UK government on submarine support]()
Rolls-Royce seals £9 billion deal with UK government on submarine support
The deal will boost the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ and deliver on its nuclear triple-lock commitment.
-
![Chinese Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate]()
Chinese Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate
The commissioning comes just two years after the modules for the hull were first seen – and the US is watching.
-
![Russian spy ship Yantar monitored in English Channel]()
Russian spy ship Yantar monitored in English Channel
The vessel returned just months after loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure.
-
![US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China]()
US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China
The small production capacity of US shipyards has generated multiple delays in US Navy programmes.
-
![Hanwha gains cybersecurity Type Approval from ABS]()
Hanwha gains cybersecurity Type Approval from ABS
The company is the first based in Asia to achieve certification from the American Bureau of Shipping.
