Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:30:26-3:31:06

Could Type 45 replace Sylver A50 with Mark 41?

Mark 41's dimensions constrain replacement of the shorter Sylver A50 launcher, which also has an air-defence launch-cycle advantage.

Mark 41 VLSNaval Air DefenceSylver VLSType 45 Destroyer
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Question

Could Type 45 replace its Sylver A50 launchers with Mark 41?

Short answer

Only with sufficient internal space: strategic-length Mark 41 is comparable to Sylver A70, while A50 is shorter and narrower.

Notes

Launcher replacement depends on the space available inside the ship. Strategic-length Mark 41 is compared with Sylver A70, while the fitted A50 is shorter and narrower. A50 is also credited with a slightly faster launch cycle for air defence. A wider missile choice therefore has to be weighed against installation space and the existing launcher's strengths.