A Vertical Launch System for Future Australian Submarines

For a 4,000 ton (surfaced) future Australian submarine design (weight likely required/expected under the Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP)) an option for a vertical launch system (VLS) may be required. Certainly the German TKMS contender (see Diagram 2. below) carries a VLS (more specifically called Vertical Multi-Purpose Lock (VMPL)). 

A VMPL inside the pressure hull, probably aft of the sail, can carry more than missiles. As it is accessible during the mission it can take such non-missile payloads as:
-  large UUVs
-  unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for scouting and targetting
-  submarine launched airflight missiles (SLAMs) for eg. anti-aircraft
-  complex decoys
-  mines
-  diver delivery vehicle
-  special forces stores eg. inflatable boats
-  even short term accommodation/bunks
-  and other payloads.

As some Virginias and the Ohio SSGNs already have this VLS/VMPL these may provide blueprints for an Australian VMPL. The uses/weapons fitted and mission implications also provide a blueprint.

If the already developed Virginia VLS (or Ohio SSGN's VMPL) is adopted the Australian VLS might have a diameter of 2.5 meters and would be capable of holding 6-7 Tomahawk miles. Tomahawks are probably another CEP requirement or option (fitted for but not with). See Raytheon Australia marketing Tomahawks. 

Diagram 1. Two vertical launch systems are already on Virginia Block IIIs (and planned for later Blocks). At 4,000 tons (surfaced) the diameter of a future Australian sub would be too small for VLS to be placed in the bow (Virginia style). In any case to have full, within pressure hull, multi-use, functionality a VLS, better called Vertical Multi-Purpose Lock (VMPL), would probably be sited aft of the sail. (Diagram courtesy Defense Industry Daily).

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Close-up of a Virginia's (or Ohio SSGN's) Vertical Launch System. 6 or 7 Tomahawk size missiles can be fitted. (Photo courtsy Sino Defence Forum).

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