Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:27:41-4:28:24

Mark 57 versus Mark 41 VLS for Royal Navy retrofits

Mark 57's larger cells and deck-edge arrangement expose the integration penalties hidden behind apparently interchangeable VLS choices.

Live Q&AMark 41 VLSMark 57 VLSMissilesNaval WeaponsRoyal NavyShip Design
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Question

Could the Royal Navy retrofit Mark 57 VLS instead of Mark 41?

Short answer

It is theoretically possible, but Mark 57 is wider, deeper, grouped in four-cell sets, and normally arranged at the deck edge, so replacing planned Mark 41 installations would reduce cells and complicate integration.

Notes

The comparison turns on ship architecture as much as missile compatibility. Mark 57 is wider and deeper than Mark 41, comes in four-cell groups, and is normally placed near the deck edge. Replacing a planned centerline Mark 41 installation would alter the volume and structure used by the launcher while probably reducing the cell count. The retrofit is considered possible in principle, but the answer sees no particular need to make it.