Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $231,400,000 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract to definitize the initial award, and procure an additional 70 MK41 Vertical Launching System modules and ancillary equipment for DDG 51-class destroyers and FFG 62-class frigates. 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 derived from work on the Aegis Combat System.
This contract modification combines purchases for the U.S. government (80%); the Commonwealth of Australia (13%); and Spain (7%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,645,715 (40%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,645,715 (40%); FMS Australia funds in the amount of $30,691,427 (13%); and FMS Spain funds in the amount of $17,417,143 (7%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The basic building block of the system is an eight-cell MK 41 VLS module that can be assembled in desired numbers to meet specific mission and hull requirements. With more than 4,300 successful missile firings, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a combat proven launcher that eliminates problems associated with conventional and single purpose launchers on surface ships. Installed below deck, MK 41 VLS significantly enhances performance in operational availability, survivability and versatility with minimal staffing and training requirements. MK 41 VLS has been deployed by 13 navies on more than 26 ship classes on more than 180 ships.
Open architecture both in the weapon control interface and the missile mechanical and electrical interface allows the system to support any missile in any cell. This is a capability unique to MK 41 VLS. The missiles currently integrated with MK 41 VLS include Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), Tomahawk Cruise Missile, Standard Missile 2, Standard Missile 3, Standard Missile 6 and Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA). Lockheed Martin has consistently demonstrated the ability to integrate new weapons. Future missile integration could include Long Range Anti-ship Missile (LRASM), Common Anti Air Modular Missile (CAMM), ASTER, Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) and Barak.
