Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:35:12-4:37:28

Why a VLS rocket still needs protection from the marine environment

A launcher cell does not remove the need to adapt a land-attack rocket for long exposure to a shipboard atmosphere.

Guided MunitionsLand Attack MissilesMarinisationNaval WeaponsUS NavyVertical Launch Systems
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Question

Should the US Navy choose POLAR, quad-packed modified rockets in standard VLS, or RGM-165 for land attack?

Short answer

The preference rests on ease of marinisation, because a VLS cell does not completely isolate the weapon from the shipboard atmosphere.

Notes

Ease of marinisation is offered as the main consideration when comparing land-attack rockets for standard vertical-launch cells. A VLS enclosure does not completely exclude the surrounding atmosphere over time. A weapon therefore still needs to tolerate the marine environment while stored aboard. No comparative test of the proposed rockets or detailed programme history accompanies this explanation.