Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:56:48-3:57:28

What happens to Type 45's reserved VLS space

Adding sixteen Sea Ceptor cells uses the growth position originally reserved for Mk 41 rather than leaving room for both installations there.

Mark 41 VLSNaval Air DefenceSea CeptorType 45 DestroyerVertical Launch Systems
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Can Type 45 carry sixteen Mk 41 cells as well as the planned Sea Ceptor addition?

Short answer

Not in the original reserved position, because the Sea Ceptor cells use the space that had been left for a future Mk 41 installation.

Notes

The relevant forward space as a deliberate growth margin in the Type 45 design. A proposed sixteen-cell Sea Ceptor installation occupies that same location. It therefore cannot simultaneously receive sixteen Mk 41 cells in the reserved position without another redesign. The exchange is useful for distinguishing a paper allowance for future equipment from unlimited physical capacity.