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MK41 VLS

🕑 Added 2021-02-07 12:44:23 +0000 UTC

Comments

Jackson Plant

I was on USS Obannon in early 90s and they took our boxes off and put in VLS.

I read in Friedman's World Naval Weapon Systems 1997-1998 that missiles ignite within the Mk41, while Russian VLS tubes eject missiles which ignite above the deck. The Mk41 is less mechanically complex but has to tolerate more flame.

Wikipedia tells me that the VL-ASROC project began in 1983, and the early examples were legacy RUR-5 ASROCs with modifications for vertical launch. The RUM-139 VL-ASROC in production now sounds like it has no legacy parts at all.

Andrew MacDougall

Thank you for clarifying. Good to know we still have the system I was thinking of, even if the exact name escaped me.

Aaron Amick

I did not know the ASROC was still in service.

SUBROC is the one designed to be launched by submarines (and had a nuclear warhead). ASROC is still being used and have a range of about 24,000 yds. Compare that to the Russians who have developed both of these style of weapons and are far more capable, more than double the range and using the latest high speed 400mm torpedo. The new VL-ASROC should contain a high speed mk50 torpedo however.