// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Vertical Launch System
A Vertical Launch System (VLS) is a shipborne or submarine-borne missile launching system that stores missiles in a vertical orientation, ready to be fired. This design allows for a large number of different types of missiles to be launched rapidly in any direction.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Vertical Launch System (VLS) is a sophisticated naval missile launching apparatus, comprising a modular, multi-cell storage and firing unit integrated into the deck of warships and submarines. It enables rapid, omnidirectional deployment of a diverse arsenal, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and land-attack cruise missiles, significantly enhancing a combatant's offensive and defensive capabilities.
BACKGROUND
A vertical launching system (VLS) is an advanced system for holding and firing missiles on mobile naval platforms, such as surface ships and submarines. Each vertical launch system consists of a number of cells, which can hold one or more missiles ready for firing. Typically, each cell can hold a number of different types of missiles, allowing the ship flexibility to load the best set for any given mission. Further, when new missiles are developed, they are typically fitted to the existing vertical launch systems of that nation, allowing existing ships to use new types of missiles without expensive rework. When the command is given, the missile flies straight up far enough to clear the cell and the ship, then turns onto the desired course.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- VLS
- Vertical Missile Launcher
- Missile Silo Array
- Modular Missile Launcher
USAGE NOTE
VLS technology has become a standard feature on modern naval combatants, providing unparalleled flexibility and responsiveness in missile deployment for air defense, anti-surface warfare, and land-attack operations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Vertical Launch System.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company widely known for developing and producing the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (Mk 41 VLS), a highly versatile and prevalent VLS found on numerous naval vessels worldwide. They also produce various missiles compatible with VLS.
A major American aerospace and defense conglomerate that develops and manufactures a broad range of advanced missile systems compatible with vertical launch systems, including the Standard Missile family (SM-2, SM-3, SM-6) and Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM).
A command of the U.S. Navy responsible for engineering, building, buying, and maintaining ships and their combat systems. NAVSEA plays a critical role in the development, acquisition, and sustainment of vertical launch systems for U.S. Navy vessels.
A leading European developer and manufacturer of missile systems. MBDA produces its own VLS, the Sylver launcher, and a range of VLS-compatible missiles such as the Aster family and Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), used by various navies.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. BAE Systems is involved in naval ship design, combat system integration, and develops VLS-related technologies, including the Extensible Launching System (ExLS), which provides additional VLS cells for various missile types.
A Norwegian defense and aerospace company known for its advanced defense products. Kongsberg develops the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), a long-range anti-ship and land-attack missile that is capable of being launched from vertical launch systems.
A major South Korean shipbuilder and defense contractor that develops and integrates indigenous vertical launch systems, such as the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS), for the Republic of Korea Navy's surface combatants and submarines.