Navy League 2024: US Navy awards HII contract for VLS work

USS Michael Monsoor is being outfitted with the latest Mk 57 vertical launching system universal canister electronics unit. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) announced a contract worth USD74 million to HII's Mission Technologies division on 9 April during the Navy League Sea-Air-Space 2024 global maritime exposition in National Harbor, Maryland, to research, analyse, and develop enhanced capabilities for the Mk 41 and Mk 57 vertical launching systems (VLSs) onboard USN surface ships.

The work includes outfitting the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) with the latest Mk 57 VLS universal canister electronics unit, HII said in a statement.

The unit, developed by HII, ensures warfighters can fire any missile from any VLS cell on Zumwalt-class ships, the company said.

The task order for the work is administered by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division and also applies to associated naval surface weapon systems, combat systems, and sensors employed within the navy, HII said.

The work will support rapid design prototyping, technological improvements, and engineering requirements associated with obsolescence issues, HII said.

For more information on Zumwalt-class testing, please seeDestroyer Zumwalt testing changed to reflect new missions set .