MK 56 Guided Missile Vertical Launching System

Highly Reliable System
The MK 56 Guided Missile Vertical Launching System (GMVLS) delivers — from limited shipboard space — an effective Local Area, hemispherical defense umbrella for own-ship and ships being escorted against aggressive airborne and surface threats. The launching system fires the RIM-162 Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM), which has proven itself against a broad spectrum of threats in all weather and electronic warfare conditions.

These threats include subsonic and supersonic missiles that arrive at very low sea-skimming altitudes or steep dive angles and are aided in their penetration by low radar cross section, evasive maneuvering and electronic jamming. Small surface combatants will also be neutralized by the RIM-162 ESSM.

The MK 56 GMVLS significantly increases the firepower of the ESSM missiles, which can be launched with minimal intervals between each salvo. Because it has no active mechanical parts, such as doors or motors, the highly reliable MK 56 GMVLS also has lower ship maintenance, manning and training requirements. And a reusable lightweight composite canister allows missiles to be easily handled.

Versatile, Compact Design
The MK 56 GMVLS offers an extremely compact and potent weapon system that can be installed aboard all combat vessels, starting with those as small as 500 tons. Its compact design allows it to be distributed at various locations throughout the ship. Like its widely fielded predecessor, the MK 48 GMVLS, the MK 56 can be mounted on deck, in the deck or on a bulkhead, such as the side of a hangar.