BAE
Systems has received a $38.2 million contract modification from the
U.S. Navy to provide additional missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical
Launching System (VLS). The company will supply more than 300 canisters
of various configurations that will be used to store, transport, and
launch different kinds of guided missiles from ships.
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BAE Systems
has been the Navy’s exclusive designer and worldwide supplier
of Mk 41 VLS canisters for more than 30 years. The company is also the
Navy’s Mk 41 VLS mechanical design agent, with more than 30 years
of experience in the development, production, and support of the Mk
41 launching system.
“We have a long history with the Mk 41 VLS that touches every
aspect of the program, from designing and producing the canisters to
installing and testing the launching systems,” said Joe Sentfle,
vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems.
“The canister contract is a testament to our sought-after expertise
in supporting this world-class missile launching capability.”
In addition to serving as missile shipping and storage containers, the
canisters hold rocket motor exhaust, serve as a launch rail to support
flyout during missile firings, and provide identification and firing
support to multiple missile types, including the Tomahawk, Standard
Missile-3, Standard Missile-6, and Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. The canisters
are positioned within the Mk 41 VLS, which is located below a ship’s
armored deck for maximum protection.
The full canister contract — originally awarded following a 2013
competition — is a five-year, base plus options contract covering
canister requirements for the Navy through fiscal year 2017. Work on
the contract modification will be performed through 2018 at BAE Systems’
facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota. |
