VLS trades rapid fire for deck space and difficult reloading

Sea Dart's trainable launcher drew rounds from a separate internal magazine and occupied less deck space than a VLS battery. Missiles could cross to the ship in packing crates and be unpacked inside the magazine. Loading VLS exposes the handling operation to wind, water and deck motion. Ticonderoga-class reloading cranes occupied cells themselves, while the more familiar arrangement uses a crane in port. Fragile missile control surfaces and fins make careful handling essential.