One proposed use for a vertical-launch system, or VLS, is to launch a reconnaissance drone. A loitering munition could remain airborne and send information back to the ship. If it found an enemy, it could also be used to attack. A drone of this kind could help commanders identify distant contacts beyond the ship's own horizon without relying entirely on a helicopter. The proposal applies Graf Spee's reconnaissance problem to the choice of scouting equipment on modern warships.
Notable Point · 5:39-6:07
A proposal for VLS-launched scouting and attack drones
A proposed loitering munition launched from a vertical-launch cell would gather reconnaissance information and could attack an enemy it found.