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Launch System

Vanguard Mobile Launcher

A modular, palletized 12-cell vertical launch system (VLS) designed for seamless integration into standard commercial vehicles.

Unit Cost
$15,000
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System Overview

The Vanguard Mobile Launcher breaks the traditional logistics chain of heavy air defense and strike capabilities. Designed to fit the bed dimensions of standard commercial pickup trucks (e.g., F-150, Silverado, Hilux), the Vanguard VLS can be deployed, camouflaged, and operated virtually anywhere. The system features an integrated fire-control module (FCM) and mesh network communications, allowing a single operator to command multiple distributed launchers simultaneously from a remote, secure location. Perfect for 'shoot-and-scoot' operations.

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

"Vanguard facilitates highly dispersed, low-signature strike operations. Camouflaged as standard civilian or light-duty logistics vehicles, Vanguard units arrive at pre-surveyed launch coordinates unnoticed. Upon receiving authorization via secure SATCOM/mesh network, the automated Fire Control Module erects the 12-cell VLS within 90 seconds, ripples its payload, and stows. The vehicle relocates immediately, completely avoiding traditional counter-battery fires."

Performance Envelopes

Setup Time
90 seconds to ready-to-fire
Stow Time
45 seconds to mobile
Ripple Rate
1 effector per 1.5 seconds
Thermal Signature
Minimally observable until launch
Operating Temp
-40°C to +60°C

General Specifications

Configuration12-Cell Vertical Launch System (VLS)
Dimensions (LxWxH)1.6m x 1.4m x 1.9m
Dry Weight350 kg
Max Loaded Weight680 kg (with WES-2 loadout)
Power SourceInternal APU (24h continuous operation)
Deployment Time< 2 minutes from vehicle stop
C2 NetworkEncrypted Mesh / SATCOM

Physical & Kinematic Parameters

Erector ActuationHydraulic, 4.5 MPa working pressure
Max Erecting Speed12 degrees / sec
Leveling Tolerance±5 degrees auto-compensation
Vibration DampingElastomeric isolation mounts (MIL-STD-810G)
Environmental SealIP67 (Launch tubes)
Recoil MitigationGas-fluid buffer, 85% energy absorption

Avionics & Processing

Fire Control Unit (FCM)Dual x86 Industrial CPUs (Redundant)
Track ProcessingUp to 256 simultaneous target tracks
Data Bufer Cache16GB NVRAM for fire-solution fail-safe
Network TopologySelf-healing MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network)
System Boot Time< 15 seconds from cold dark start
EMP ShieldingFaraday caged, continuous braided grounding

Core Capabilities

  • Palletized NATO-standard tie-downs for rapid loading/unloading (< 10 mins)
  • Universal 12-cell canister layout agnostic to WES-1 or WES-2 loadouts
  • Autonomous leveling and self-calibration system
  • Integrated secure Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) C2

Key Features

  • Shoot-and-Scoot Capable
  • Zero Signature Standby Mode
  • Distributed Lethality Network
  • Agnostic Vehicle Integration