USA: BAE Systems Lands MK 41 VLS Contract Options

BAE Systems, Land & Armaments L.P. was awarded a $19.2 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy to exercise options for fiscal 2014 MK 41 vertical launching system canister production requirements.

Production requirements will include 89 MK 21 MOD 3 (SM-6) canisters, coding plug assemblies, explosive bolts, and impulse cartridge assemblies.

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. The Vertical Launch System (VLS) concept was based on the Aegis Combat System.

The Mk 41 VLS is a highly survivable system located below a naval ship’s armored deck and is adaptable to accommodate the latest weapon types to meet new mission requirements. The Mk 41 can launch SM-2, SM-3, SM-6, ESSM, Tomahawk and Vertical Launch ASROC missiles. The launcher can fire missiles at threats that include anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defence and land attack targets, as well as on naval surface fire support ballistic missile defence missions.

In June 2013, BAE Systems received a $91.4 million contract from the U.S. Navy to provide engineering and technical services in support of the design, manufacturing, installation, testing and product improvements for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, S.D. (87 percent) and Minneapolis, Minn. (13 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2016.
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Naval Today Staff, January 3, 2014; Image: BAE Systems