VLS

Question 1

What is the nomenclature of the VLS systems?

Answer 1

FWD- Mk 177

AFT- Mk 176

Question 2

Specs of the FWD VLS

Answer 2

32 individual missile canisters

4 modules

Three 8-cell standard modules (5,6, and 8)

One 8-cell standard system module (7)

Question 3

Specs of AFT VLS

Answer 3

64 individual missile canisters

8 modules

Seven 8-cell standard modules (1,2,3,4,5,6,8)

One 8-cell standard module (7)

Question 4

What does LSEQ stand for?

Answer 4

Launch Sequencer

Question 5

What does the LSEQ do?

Answer 5

Provides interface between the Launch Control Unit (LCU) and the missile canisters.

Also monitors the status of the module and the cells within the module

Question 6

What does MCP stand for?

Answer 6

Motor Control Panel

Question 7

What does the MCP do?

Answer 7

Controls the uptake hatch, cell hatches, plenum drain valve and deluge valves

Question 8

What is a Status Panel? And where are they located

Answer 8

Found in each launcher, in the Service Interface Rooms, the Panel provides continuous display of module status and hazard conditions within the launcher.

Question 9

What does RLEP stand for?

Answer 9

Remote Launch Enable Panel

Question 10

Where can the Remote Launch Enable Panel be located and what does it do?

Answer 10

Located in CIC

In remote, the RLEP allows CIC control of missile launch enable

Question 11

What is the Firing Inhibit Switch?

Answer 11

Located at the CO’s console in CIC, provides positive single point control of the FWD and AFT launchers

Question 12

What does LCS stand for?

Answer 12

Launch Control System

Question 13

What does the Launch Control System do?

Answer 13

Manages and controls launch operations in the VLS.

Consists of 2 LCUs and the launcher

Question 14

What does LCU stand for?

Answer 14

Launch Control Unit

Question 15

What does the Launch Control Unit do and where are the 2 located?

Answer 15

LCU1 - in CSER1

LCU2 - in CSER3

Used to maintain simultaneous interfaces with WCS, UCFS, and ATWS to provide multi mode launch coordination

Question 16

What does each Launch Control Unit consist of?

Answer 16

• Power control panel
• Magnetic media storage drawer
• Keyboard trackball assembly
• Switch router
• Versa Module European (VME) chassis
• Power subsystem

Question 17

What are the three modes of operation of the Launch Control Unit?

Answer 17

In priority:

• Ready Alert
• Simulation
• Standby

Question 18

What does the Gas Management System consist of?

Answer 18

• Plenum
• Uptake
• Uptake hatch

Question 19

What are the critical functions of the Gas Management System? [3]

Answer 19

1. Direct missile exhaust gasses to the atmosphere
2. Protect system components from heat damage. Seal system to prevent gas leakage into other launcher areas
3. Ventilate launcher and environmentally attached spaces after a missile launch

Question 20

What does the Toxic Gas Vent Closure System do?

Answer 20

This prevents the ship ventilation and air conditioning systems from ingesting toxic gases generated by missile rocket motors

Question 21

How long are the Toxic Gas Vent Closure System closes for after each initiation?

Answer 21

2 minutes

Question 22

When is the Deluge System activated? [2]

Answer 22

1. Restrained firing

2. Canister over-temperature (>190°)

Question 23

What does Deluge do?

Answer 23

Causes water from the system to be sprayed on the warhead section of the missile.

Secured after 90-110 seconds by an automatic signal from the LSEQ

Question 24

What does ESSM stand for?

Answer 24

Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile

Question 25

How many ESSMs are in a pack?

Answer 25

4

Quad Pack