Q&A · 1:18:31-1:18:36

Ticonderoga may be the last US double-ended VLS class

A brief layout question identifies the Ticonderoga class as the likely last US cruiser with VLS groups forward and aft.

Guided Missile Cruisers Ticonderoga Class Cruisers US Navy Vertical Launch Systems

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Question

Will the Ticonderoga class be the last US Navy double-ended VLS design?

Short answer

Probably yes; newer surface combatants are unlikely to repeat its forward-and-aft VLS arrangement.

Notes

The Ticonderoga class is likely to remain the last US Navy design with substantial vertical-launch groups at both ends of the ship. The brief answer identifies a layout distinction between the retiring cruisers and newer surface combatants.