Vertical Launcher Enclosures

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A single VLS consists of a Mk41 launcher, with 8 operational missile launchers.

Initial operational missiles will be SM-3 Block IB (RIM-161B), although are some tentative plans to upgrade them to Block IIA interceptors around 2018 as well. The Block IB missile has a Color Seeker as well as Solid Divert Attitude Control System (SDACS), whereas the Block IIA is more advanced with a High Divert Kinetic Warhead and Advanced Discrimination Seeker.

Operational range:
- Block IA/B ~700 km (378 nautical miles)
- Block IIA ~2500 km (1350 nautical miles)

Flight ceiling
- Block IA/B ~500 km (311 miles)
- Block IIA ~1500 km (933 miles)

Speed
- Block IA/B ~3 km/s (Mach 10.2)
- Block IIA ~4.5 km/s (Mach 15.25)