Country: United States Of America
Missile Type: Air-to-Air Missile
Service Status: Active (In Service)
US(Washington Insider Magazine) -The AIM-7 Sparrow is an American, medium-range semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missile. It is operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and the United States Marine Corps. There are also other various air forces and navies that have been using this missile. This air-to-air missile has been in use since the late 1950s. It remains in service but is being phased out in aviation applications that are in favor of the more advanced missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Buyers & Competitors Of AIM-7 Sparrow
The following countries have bought the AIM-7 Sparrow and have used it in various operations in their countries.
1.Canada
A Sparrow II was tested at the Canadair facility. It was also used as part of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow program. Canadair (now Bombardier) had partnered with Douglas Aircraft Company and they team up together in the further development of the Sparrow II (AAM-N-3/AIM-7B).
2. Italy
The missile was modified and developed in Italy. It was equipped with the Sparrow derivatives like Skyflash and a new motor. A new guidance system was also introduced and some control surfaces were also changed.
The Italian company Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.), has licensed the AIM-7E Sparrow technology from the US. They later produced a new version. Later in the 1980s, Alenia introduced the improved version of the AIM-7 called the Aspide.
3. Republic of China
The PL-11 and HQ-6 which is a family of Chinese missiles have developed this missile further in their country. The Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology is based on the Italian Aspide missile – and has introduced a new version of the Sparrow
Recent Use In Battlefield
The 1982 Lebanon War is the last confirmed use of the AIM-7F in battle. All the US Sparrow kills after the Vietnam War was attained by using the AIM-7M. Iran’s latest Sparrow model AIM-7E and Saudi Arabia’s F-15s had achieved no Sparrow kills during Operation Desert Storm.
Specifications
- Primary Function: Air-to-air missile.
- Contractor: Raytheon and General Dynamics.
- Power Plant: Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor.
- Length: 12 feet (3.64 meters)
- Launch Weight: ~500 lbs. ( 225 kg)
- Diameter: 8 inches (.20 meters)
- Wingspan: 3 feet, 4 inches (1 meter)
- Range: up to 30 km.
Basic Concept Of The AIM-7 Sparrow
The early Sparrow was primarily used against larger targets. It was used against bombers and had numerous operational limitations. The smaller targets, that needed a strong reflected radar signal at the missile’s effective range were difficult.
This basic concept of this missile was aimed at the US Sparrows in the M model and some of these were later updated in the P model. This was the last part of the missile development in the US. It was then sold to China and this resulted in the development of the PL-11.
The Sparrow was used as the basis for a surface-to-air missile. It was also used by several navies for air defense. It is fired at a low altitude and flies directly at its target. The range of the missile in this role is can be reduced due to the lower atmosphere.
FAQs:
Could You Engage Multiple Targets With The Aim-7 Sparrow?
The active radar has made Sparrow II a “fire and forgets” weapon. It allows several to be fired at separate targets at the same time.
Is The Aim 7 Sparrow Still In Service?
Aim 7 Sparrow is still in service. It has improved reliability and performance over its earlier models. The missile now works well at low altitudes. It can be used in electronic countermeasures environments. This missile is a significantly more lethal warhead as compared to other missiles.
What Is the Range For An Aim-7 Sparrow?
- 2 ft 8 in (0.81 m) (AIM-7A/B)
- Operational range-AIM-7C: 22 kilometers (14 mi)
- AIM-7D: 39 kilometres (24 mi)
- AIM-7E/E2: 43 kilometres (27 mi)
- AIM-7F/M/P: 85 kilometres (53 mi)
- Maximum speed-AIM-7A/B: Mach 2.5 AIM-7C/E/F: Mach 4
What Type Of Aircraft Can Launch An Aim-7 Sparrow?
- Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
- McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
- McDonnell Douglas F-15E
- Strike Eagle General Dynamics F-16
- Fighting Falcon Grumman F-14
- Tomcat F/A-18 Hornet JA-37
- Viggen F-104S Starfighter Tornado F.3 ADV F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Mitsubishi F-2
Read More: Explainer: Why North Korea Desperate In Missile Race?
How Does An AIM-7 Sparrow Work?
All variants of the AIM-7 Sparrow are using semi-active radar homing to work. The passive radar built on the Sparrow missile tracks hits the target that is illuminated by the launch aircraft, or a ship-based radar. When target illumination ends up ceasing the missile can be unable to find the target.
