What is the Mk-41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)?

The Mk-41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a modular system, deployed in various sizes and classes of ship. The VLS was originally​ designed for AEGIS cruisers. The system is capable of housing canister missiles of a verity roles and configurations providing multi-mission capabilities.

Features:
Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)
Land Attack/Strike

Models of the Mk-41:
Mk 41 / Mod.0 - Ticonderoga class CG (61 cells forward & aft)
Mk 41 / Mod.1 - Spruance class DD (61 cells forward)
Mk 41 / Mod.2 - Arleigh Burke class DDG / DDG 51-78 (29 cells forward, 61 cells aft)
Mk 41 / Mod.3 - Brandenburg class Frigate / Germany (16 cells)
Mk 41 / Mod.5 - Anzac class Frigate / Australia (8 cells)
Mk 41 / Mod.7 - Arleigh Burke class DDG / DDG 79-91 (31 cells forward, 64 cells aft)
Mk 41 / Mod.8 - Barbaros class Frigate / Turkey (16 cells)
Mk 41 / Mod.10 - Sachsen class Frigate / Germany (32 cells)
Mk 41 / Mod.15 - Arleigh Burke class DDG / DDG 92 and up (31 cells forward, 64 cells aft)
Mk 41 / Mod.16 - Adelaide class Frigate / Australia (8 cells)

Used to house various weapon systems:
RIM-67 Standard Missile ER
RIM-161 Standard Missile 3
RIM-174 Standard ERAM
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow
RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM)
BGM-109 Tomahawk
RUM-139 VL-ASROC

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