MK41 VERTICAL LAUNCH SYSTEM

The MK41 Vertical Launch System is installed on all Ticonderoga class ships from USS Bunker Hill (CG52) onward (MK26 twin arm launchers are carried on CG47-CG51), as well as Arleigh Burke class destroyers, and some Spruance class destroyers.The MK41 VLS is arranged in two groups of 61 cells each, one forward and one aft. Missiles are sealed in cannisters, and lowered through the square hatches on the deck into each cell. A crane is installed in place of three of the cells in each group. Either Standard or Tomahawk missiles can be carried, in any combination, for a total of 122 missiles in the VLS.