A system of armored compartments located around the periphery of the Zumwalt. Each PVLS compartment contains and protects one MK57 Vertical Launching System. This design makes launchers and missiles resistant to battle damage while safely isolating them from crew and equipment spaces. Raytheon is teamed up with BAE Systems for the development of the PVLS.


The video clip on the right shows a successful test demonstrating the system’s survivability. Battle damage to the ship is mitigated by projecting the explosion outward.

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