NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Vertical launch system

Vertical Launching System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (640 words)
	A Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a type of missile-firing system used aboard the submarines and surface vessels of several navies around the world.
	Derived from the launch systems developed for ballistic missiles aboard SSBNs, a VLS forms a scaled-down equivalent for launching cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and the Standard missile.
	The current generation of American-produced VLS system is known as the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System.

Vertical Launching System - definition of Vertical Launching System in Encyclopedia (184 words)
	Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a firing system aboard United States Navy attack submarines, and surface vessels belonging to the U.S. and other navies.
	Derived from the launch systems developed for ballistic missiles aboard SSBNs, VLS forms a scaled down equivalent for launching the Tomahawk cruise missile.
	The drawback to VLS is that, unlike torpedo tubes, it cannot be reloaded at sea without a submarine tender or a trip to a submarine base.

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