Vertical Launch System (VLS)
E2. Naval, defence and maritime law enforcementDefinition
Multi-cell missile launcher (e.g., Mk 41).
A vertical launch system (VLS) is a fixed array of cells set into a warship’s deck that store and fire missiles straight up, replacing trainable rail or arm launchers. Cells hold canister-encased rounds ready for rapid, near-simultaneous launch in any direction, raising magazine depth and firing rate. The dominant Western system is the US Mk 41 VLS, which fires a mixed loadout including the Standard Missile family, ESSM, VLA anti-submarine rockets, and Tomahawk. The smaller Mk 56 ESSM launcher and the larger Mk 57 (Zumwalt-class) are related families.
Source: US Navy Mk 41 Vertical Launch System; fires Standard Missile, ESSM, VLA, and Tomahawk; related Mk 56 and Mk 57 (Zumwalt-class) families.