US Navy selects BAE Systems as design agent for Mk 41 VLS 19 May 2021 (Last Updated May 19th, 2021 11:45) BAE Systems has been selected as the design agent for the US Navy’s Mk 41 VLS mechanical portion. Share Article The Mk 41 VLS can launch a broad range of missiles, including the Standard Missile SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 variants. Credit: US Navy. The US Navy has awarded the $164m design contract to BAE Systems for the mechanical portion of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). The VLS Mk 41 is a missile canister launching system with missiles and associated hardware located below the armoured deck.