Vertical Launching System
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Image:Verticle Launch Cells.JPG Image:VLC Loading.JPG A Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a type of missile-firing system used aboard the submarines and surface vessels of several navies around the world. Western VLSs have the missile cells arranged in a grid with one lid per cell and are 'hot launch' systems, requiring complex exhaust piping for flames and gas, while Russia produces both grid systems and a revolver design with more than one missile per lid, and the People's Republic of China uses a circular 'cold launch' system that ejects the missile from the launch tube before igniting the engine.
Derived from the launch systems developed for ballistic missiles aboard SSBNs, a VLS forms a scaled-down equivalent for launching cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and the Standard missile. The system enables SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) to carry more weapons in addition to their torpedo tubes. More significantly, VLSs allow both submarines and surface combatants to have more weapons ready for firing at a given time than with other launching systems. The drawback to a VLS is that, unlike torpedo tubes, it cannot be reloaded at sea without significant support from ships such as a submarine tender or a trip to a submarine base.
VLSs have found a role in Aegis-equipped surface ships on Arleigh Burke, Kongo, and KDX-III class destroyers, Ticonderoga class cruisers, and Alvaro de Bazán and Fridtjof Nansen class frigates. They have also been implemented on non-Aegis classes, such as the US Navy's Spruance class of destroyers, the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates, the Republic of Korea Navy's KDX II class destroyers, the People's Liberation Army Navy's Lanzhou class destroyer and the Indian Navy's Talwar (Krivak III) class frigates
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International VLS System types
Europe
SYLVER
The SYLVER vertical launching system manufactured by DCN is being deployed on a wide range of European naval vessels.
The primary application of the launcher has been the MBDA Aster missile. The SYLVER, together with the Aster, is the primary component of the PAAMS naval anti-air warfare system to be fitted to British Type 45 destroyers and French and Italian Horizon class frigates. France's Charles de Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier is fitted with four 8 cell SYLVER launchers carrying the MBDA Aster 15.
The French Navy has initiated studies to convert the SCALP EG missile to be capable of launch from the SYLVER. This missile, the SCALP Naval, would give France a land attack capability in the mould of the U.S. Tomahawk missile. It would also be attractive to the Royal Navy.
Sea Wolf
The Royal Navy utilises the GWS 27 version of the Seawolf SAM aboard its Type 23 frigates. This is a 32 cell VLS mounted on the foredeck just behind the 4.5in gun.
United States of America
Image:USSTheSullivans-firingmissi.jpg The current generation of American-produced VLS system is known as the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System. It is capable of carrying an extremely wide range of missiles, including the Sea Sparrow naval self defense, short range SAM, SM-2 medium range/long range SAM, VLASROC anti-submarine missile with Mk-46 torpedo as warhead, very similar to the ASROC, and the Tomahawk Cruise Missile (long range anti-ship/strike). There are also plans to increase the number of missiles it is capable of carrying.
For American surface ships, VLS replaced the Armored Box Launcher system and the Mark-26 twin-arm missile launcher system that were previously used by United States Navy ships to fire missiles. All US Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers and most Ticonderoga class guided missile cruisers utilize VLS-type launchers. Because of the practicality of the Mark 41 VLS, other US surface ships that had Armored Box Launchers or other horizontal firing systems have been retrofitted with VLS systems. In addition to surface ships, all Virginia-class submarines and USS Providence and later Los Angeles-class submarines have had VLS systems installed.
Russia
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People's Republic of China
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[[Category:{{{1|}}} articles with sections needing expansion]]Republic of Korea
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[[Category:{{{1|}}} articles with sections needing expansion]]India
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