The First Surface Combatant to Use Vertical Launch Tubes: The Historical Race

The integration of vertical launch tubes (VLS) in surface combatants marked a significant milestone in naval warfare. This article delves into the historical race between the United States and the Soviet Union for the first to adopt this technology, focusing on the key players, namely the USS Bunker Hill and the Kirov-class cruisers. By examining the timelines and capabilities of these ships, we uncover the strategic and technological advancements that drove this technological leap.

Introduction to Vertical Launch Tubes

Vertical launch tubes offer a revolutionary approach to missile launching on naval vessels, enhancing flexibility, efficiency, and operational readiness. These systems enable surface combatants to deploy a wide variety of missiles, including surface-to-surface cruise missiles and air defense missiles, by launching them vertically through dedicated cells.

The USS Bunker Hill: A Pioneering American Ship

Commissioned in 1986, the USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) was the first Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser to deploy the Aegis Combat System and the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). The USS Bunker Hill introduced these advanced systems as part of its standard configuration, significantly altering the landscape of naval warfare. With the Mark 41 VLS, the USS Bunker Hill could launch a diverse range of missiles, including the Tomahawk cruise missiles and the Standard air defense missiles, positioning it at the forefront of naval technology.

The Kirov-class Cruiser: Russian Pioneers

Interestingly, the Russians officially took the lead in equipping a surface combatant with a vertical launch system. The lead ship of the Kirov-class battlecruiser, the Admiral Ushakov (formerly Kirov), was equipped with the P-700 Granit missile system in the early 1980s. This system was a part of the Soviet Union's strategic efforts to counter the U.S. Navy's advanced capabilities. The P-700 Granit, known in NATO circles as the SS-N-19 Shipwreck, was designed to cruise at speeds up to Mach 2.5 and engage targets up to 625 km away. Equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads, this missile represented a substantial advancement in Soviet naval weaponry.

Technological Advancements and Scheduling

While the Russians were quick to integrate the P-700 Granit system into the Admiral Ushakov in 1980, the U.S. Navy was not far behind. The Mk. 41 VLS was only fully activated on September 20, 1986, aboard the USS Bunker Hill. This was six years after the Russians had already begun deploying the P-700 Granit system on the Admiral Ushakov. However, the U.S. Navy had its own VLS systems in development: the 3K95 Kinzhal (SA-N-9 Gauntlet), which was tested in 1986 but did not enter official service until 1989.

Strategic Significance

The early adoption of VLS by the Soviet Navy demonstrated their strategic foresight and investment in counter-U.S. naval capabilities. The P-700 Granit, equipped on the Admiral Ushakov, represented a significant upgrade in missile range and speed, outperforming the legacy missiles of earlier generations. The 625 km range and Mach 2.5 speed provided a considerable tactical advantage, though not without challenges. The Russian system's operational success in intercepting up to five anti-ship missiles in a test engagement in 1986 was a testament to their technological advancement.

Conclusion

While the USS Bunker Hill cannot be outmoded as the first to utilize vertical launch tubes, the Kirov-class cruisers, particularly the Admiral Ushakov, hold that distinction. The race between the United States and the Soviet Union to integrate advanced naval technologies underscores the intense competition and strategic focus on maritime power during the Cold War era. The legacy of these ships remains a vital part of naval history, highlighting the ongoing importance of technological innovation in naval warfare.