News Review: Lockheed Martin demonstrates new Nulka launcher | ADM Oct 2010

Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted the first vertical launch of a Nulka offboard decoy test round from its new Extensible Launching System (ExLS).

The flight test, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, demonstrated the new launcher in a fully tactical configuration after three years of development and integration effort.

ExLS is installed in an existing Vertical Launching System (VLS) cell, providing a common solution for integrating missiles with the MK 41 and MK 57 VLS.

The Lockheed Martin team used a single solution for both VLS types, which reduces integration costs by more than 50 per cent.

All RAN warships are equipped with the Mk41 VLS, in both normal and strike length configurations, to carry weapons such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM).

At present Nulka rounds are carried in a dedicated four-round vertical launcher installed above the main deck and typically sited amidships.

ExLS enables the rapid deployment of completely assembled weapons and munitions, such as the Nulka, to use existing an VLS rather than a separate topside launcher.

The ExLS test was supported by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center as well as Nulka developer BAE Systems Australia.