RIM-7
Unofficial
names/slang: NATO Sea Sparrow
Function:
Surface-to-air radar-guided missile
Date
deployed: 1976
Contractor:
Raytheon
Unit cost:
$165,400
Length:
12' - 0"
Wingspan:
3' - 4"
Diameter:
0' - 8"
Speed:
over 2,600 mph
Weight at
launch: approx. 500 lbs
Guidance:
Semi-active on continuous wave or pulsed Doppler
radar energy
Range:
over 30 nm
Engine:
Hercules MK-58
solid-propellant rocket motor
Warhead:
90 lb annular blast fragmentation warhead |
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Description:
A highly maneuverable ship-to-air missile.
Features: The Navy's RIM-7M Sea Sparrow
and the Air Force's AIM-7 Sparrow are radar-guided,
air-to-air missiles with high explosive warheads.
They have a cylindrical body with four wings at
mid-body and four tail fins. The Navy uses the Sea
Sparrow version aboard ships as a surface-to-air
anti-missile defense. The versatile Sparrow has
all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and
can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles
from any direction. It is widely deployed by U.S.
and NATO forces. The Sea Sparrow is found aboard
many U.S. and NATO surface warships.
Background: Originally developed by
Sperry and the U.S. Navy, Sparrow's later versions
were developed and produced by Raytheon Co. and
General Dynamics. Subsequent versions were dubbed
the "dog-fight modification" because its
increased maneuverability at short range made it
better suited for close-in visual engagements.
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