Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket ASROC (VLA) Missile

Last updated: 31 Aug 2021

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)

Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

Description
The Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) (VLA) is a surface-ship launched anti-submarine missile designed to deliver the MK 46 Mod 5A (SW) or the MK 54 Mod Lightweight Torpedo to a water-entry point close to a targeted submarine.

Background
The VLA provides surface combatants with an all-weather, 360-degree quick-reaction, standoff anti-submarine weapon. VLAs are carried by Aegis-equipped ships (cruisers and destroyers) equipped with the MK41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) and the SQQ-89 ASW Combat System. VLA includes a solid-propellant booster thrust vector control (TVC) and a digital autopilot control (DAC) to guide the missile from a vertical orientation through a pitch-over maneuver into a ballistic trajectory intended to deliver the torpedo to an aim point on the ocean surface. Originally deployed with the MK 46 Mod 5A(S) torpedo, all VLAs have been upgraded with the MK 46 Mod 5A (SW) torpedo. With Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the MK 54 Mod 0 Lightweight Torpedo in 2010, the Navy is transitioning all VLAs to carry the MK 54.

General Characteristics, VLA Missile

Contractor: Lockheed Martin

Propulsion: Solid propellant rocket

Length: 16.7 feet

Diameter: 14.1 inches

Weight: 1,650 pounds

Range: over 10 miles

Warhead: 96.8 pounds, high-explosive

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)

Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

Google Translation Disclaimer