RIM-162 ESSM
Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile
Overview
RIM-162 ESSM
RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow in flight showing its different body and wings.
Source: US Navy (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew J. Haran) -
© public domain
Description
The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) is a naval surface to air missile of US origin. The ESSM is intended for point defense against both aircraft and incomming missiles. The ESSM is based on the RIM-7P, but only the guidance section remains unaltered. It features slat fins and tail control similar to the Standard missile. This allows for a much larger and wider rocket engine within the same wingspan. Due to the changes the ESSM is very different from the Sea Sparrow and has been given its own RIM-162 designation. Several versions exist, but they show a similar performance.
Variants of the ESSM
Details
Media
RIM-162D
RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile being launched from a Mk 29 octuple launcher in 2010.
Source: US Navy (Patrick Green)
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162 ESSM
The Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat firing two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles in 2016
Source: US Navy (Holly L. Herline)
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162 ESSM
An Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launches from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162D
RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile being loaded into a Mk 29 octuple launcher.
Source: US Navy (MCS2 Tommy Gooley)
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162D
RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile being loaded into a Mk 29 octuple launcher.
Source: US Navy (MCS2 Anthony Flynn)
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162D
RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile being launched from a Mk 29 octuple launcher in 2010.
Source: US Navy (MCS3 Nicholas Hall)
Copyright: Public domain
RIM-162D
An Evolved Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
Source: US Navy (MCS2 Adrian White)
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
De Zeven Provinciën class
The Dutch De Zeven Provinciën class destroyers were one of the first types of ship to use the RIM-162 ESSM quad packed in the Mk 41 VLS.