US Navy selects BAE Systems as design agent for Mk 41 VLS 19 May 2021 (Last Updated May 19th, 2021 11:45)
BAE Systems has been selected as the design agent for the US Navy’s Mk 41 VLS mechanical portion.
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The Mk 41 VLS can launch a broad range of missiles, including the Standard Missile SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 variants. Credit: US Navy.
The US Navy has awarded the $164m design contract to BAE Systems for the mechanical portion of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
The VLS Mk 41 is a missile canister launching system with missiles and associated hardware located below the armoured deck.
CVN-77: George H. W. Bush
In the Ford class, the lead ship, Gerald R. Ford, was commissioned in July 2017. At least four more ships are planned in the class: the John F. Kennedy, set for commissioning in 2025; the Enterprise; the Doris Miller; and another carrier, yet to be named.
The new aircraft carriers are set to replace ships in the Nimitz class as they retire; the Navy plans to have a total of 12 carriers in service in 2049, when it hopes to achieve its fleet of 355.
Amphibious Ships
The Navy s amphibious ships, sometimes called miniature carriers, are used to deploy Marines and sailors forward around the world for training, combat and humanitarian missions. The classes of amphibious ships include the following: