Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:41-31:24

A tentative VLS estimate for a Vanguard-class submarine

A converted Vanguard-class missile tube is estimated to hold about twelve smaller VLS cells or three to five larger hypersonic weapons, with substantial uncertainty.

Cruise MissilesHypersonic WeaponsSubmarine DesignVanguard Class SubmarinesVertical Launch Systems
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Question

How many VLS cells might fit into one former ballistic-missile tube on a converted Vanguard-class submarine?

Short answer

A tentative public-information estimate gives about twelve smaller cells, or three to five slots for larger hypersonic weapons, depending on packing and support equipment.

Notes

The estimate is explicitly speculative and based only on public information. One former ballistic-missile tube is judged large enough for roughly twelve smaller vertical-launch cells, while larger hypersonic weapons might reduce the load to about three to five. Packing, instrumentation, and command-and-control arrangements would determine the real capacity. A later comparison with an American seven-cell installation makes clear that twelve is a judgement rather than a confirmed British conversion plan.