Mark 41 vertical launching system

Mk 41 vertical launching system
A single 8-cell Mk 41 VLS module fitted to New Zealand frigate HMNZS Te Kaha
TypeMissile launching system
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1986–present
Used byUnited States Navy
Royal Navy
WarsCold War
Tanker War
Gulf War
Kosovo War
War on Terror
Red Sea crisis
Production history
Designed1970s
ManufacturerMartin Marietta
Lockheed Martin
VariantsMk 57
Mk 70 Mod 1

The Mark 41 vertical launching system (Mk 41 VLS) is a shipborne missile canister launching system which provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats.[1] The vertical launching system (VLS) concept was derived from work on the Aegis Combat System.[2]

  1. ^ "Mark 41 Vertical Launching System". Retrieved 21 September 2011.
  2. ^ Friedman, Norman (2006). The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems (5th ed.). Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. p. 600.