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Naval Swiss Army Knife: MK 41 Vertical Missile Launch Systems (VLS)

Naval Swiss Army Knife: MK 41 Vertical Missile Launch Systems (VLS)

MK 41s in action (click to view full) The naval MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) hides missiles below decks in vertical slots, with key electronics and venting systems built in. A deck and hatch assembly at the top of the module protects the missile canisters...
Naval Swiss Army Knife: MK 41 Vertical Missile Launch Systems (VLS)

The New Chinooks: Boeing’s Modern H-47 Heavy-Lift Helicopters

CH-47Fs take off (click to view full) DII FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record; this FOCUS Article covers the CH-47F/MH-47G Chinook helicopter programs, in the USA and abroad. These helicopters’ distinctive...
Naval Swiss Army Knife: MK 41 Vertical Missile Launch Systems (VLS)

USA’s B-2 Bombers Leading the Way in Contracting for Availability

All together now… (click to view full) Britain’s practice of “contracting for availability” for key equipment, rather than paying for spare parts and maintenance hours, may be its most significant defense procurement reform. In a world where...