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The Sea Wolf missile system was tested from 70 to 77, so the first batch of type 42 destroyers are not a possibility, but it have been deployed in a VLS configuration from batch 2 onwards? The Sea Wolf was tested as a VLS launched system on the HMS Loch Fada with those tests ending in 70 without further development until the 80's. I don’t think a viable VLS system could have been brought to service in the batch 1 Type 42’s, but the development time would allow for it to be viable on the batch 2 hulls. So the first question that I have to ask is if its even possible for such a system to be deployed in a type 42 hull?

If the testing had resulted in a viable system being developed for the Batch 2 type 42’s would there have been the political will to future proof the fleet in such a way? And how would the performance of a VLS armed type 42 have altered the Falklands war, as well as the fleet being deployed with a preponderance of Sea Wolves rather than Sea Darts. Secondly would the Type 42’s have lasted longer in service? And would their existence have altered the building patterns of the united kingdom?
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