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RIM-7 Sea Sparrow



Overview

RIM-7 Sea Sparrow

A RIM-7M Sea Sparrow being launched from a Mk 29 octuple launcher.
Source: US Navy (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordon R. Beesley) - © public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Surface to air missile
Entered service
1968 for RIM-7E
1973 for RIM-7H
1983 for RIM-7M
Status
In service
Development
1960's
Developer
United States
Production
1968 - present?
Producer
United States
Unit cost
About $ 165.400 for RIM-7M
Number produced
About 12.000 RIM-7
Designations
NSSMS / NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System
Notable users
United States
Japan
Netherlands
Germany

Variants

RIM-7 Sea Sparrow

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow being loaded into a Mk 29 octuple launcher.
Source: US Navy @ www.globalsecurity.org - © public domain

List of variants

RIM-7E
The RIM-7E Sea Sparrow is a ship-launched version of the air-launched AIM-7E Sparrow and is the first Sea Sparrow model. The RIM-7E has fixed wings and is fired from modified ASROC launchers designated Mk 25.
RIM-7H
The RIM-7H is an improved model of the RIM-7E and is therefore less advanced than the RIM-7F with its earlier designation. Unlike the earlier RIM-7E the RIM-7F and H have folding fins allowing them to be fired from the smaller octuple Mk 29 launcher.
RIM-7F
The RIM-7F Sea Sparrow is a ship-launched version of the more capable air-launched AIM-7F Sparrow. The RIM-7F was soon replaced by the RIM-7M.
RIM-7M & P
The RIM-7M and RIM-7P Sea Sparrow are ship-launched versions of the air-launched AIM-7M and AIM-7P Sparrow. In addition to the Mk-29 launcher they can also be fired by the Mk 41 and Mk 48 vertical launch systems. They are similar to the air launched models in all aspects except for the smaller fin span.

Details

Facts RIM-7F Sea Sparrow RIM-7M Sea Sparrow RIM-7P Sea Sparrow
General
Origin
United States
Type
Surface to air missile
Dimensions
Length
3.66 m
Diameter
203 mm
Wingspan
1.02 m wingspan
0.62 m finspan
Weight
226.8 kg
Guidance
Guidance mode
Semi-active radar homing
Datalink
No
Warhead
Type
Mk 71 HE blast-fragmentation
Weight
39 kg
Fuse
Proximity fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Hecules Mk 58 dual-thrust solid fuel rocket motor
Speed
Mach 4 maximum
Mach 2.5 average
Range
22 km
Altitude
8.5 km maximum
30 m minimum
G limits
30 G

Related articles

AIM-7 Sparrow

The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is derived from the air launched AIM-7 Sparrow. The Sea Sparrow missiles are a direct equivalent, differing often only in tail span and having folding wings.

Read more about AIM-7 Sparrow

RIM-162 ESSM

The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile uses the RIM-7P guidance section, but has slat fins, a larger rocket motor and uses thrust vectoring.

Read more about RIM-162 ESSM

Mk 29 IBPDMS

The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is mainly launched from the Mk 29 IBPDMS octuple launcher. This is compatible with all RIM-7 models.

Read more about Mk 29 IBPDMS

Mark 41 VLS

The RIM-7M and P models can also be launched from the Mk 41 VLS. A single missile can be fitted per cell in a Mk 22 cannister.

Read more about Mark 41 VLS