Country: United States Of America
Missile Type: surface to air missile
Service Type: Yes
Washington DC (Washington Insider Magazine) — The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM is a development of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile. It has been developed to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft. ESSM aims at countering the supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles. It also comes with a powerful ability to be “quad-packed” and can be equipped with a Mark 41 Vertical Launch System. This missile allows up to four ESSMs to be carried in a single cell.
Specifications
- Mass: 620 lb (280 kg)
- Length: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Diameter: 10 in (254 mm)
- Warhead: 86 lb (39 kg) blast-fragmentation
- Detonation mechanism: Proximity fuze
- Engine: Mk 143 Mod 0 solid fuel rocket
- Operational range: 27 nmi+ (50 km+)
- Maximum speed: Mach 4+[5]
- Launch Platform: Mk 41 VLS (RIM-162A/B)
Mk 48 VLS (RIM-162C)
Mk 56 VLS
Mk 57 VLS (RIM-162F)
Mk 29 box launcher (RIM-162D/G)
Buyers
ESSM has been purchased by many countries so far. It offers a powerful performance and has become one of the most purchased missiles developed by the United States. The Consortium Members of the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United States, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates
Recent Use In Battlefield
In August 2004, the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow was operated by the German Navy Sachsen-class ship. The frigate completed a series and there were many live missile firings. It was launched at the Point Mugu missile and the launch range was off the coast of California. The operation involved a total of 11 ESSM missile firings.
This missile was operated at first as a test and included firings against target drones. It performed well when shot at massive ships like Northrop BQM-74E Chukkar III and Teledyne Ryan BQM-34S Firebee I. The missile also worked well against missile targets including Beech AQM-37C and air-launched Kormoran 1 anti-ship missiles
The first “kill” by the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow was made by the United States Navy carrier’s Mk 2 launcher. This missile was in the testing stage during the training exercise by USS John C. Stennis on 7 October 2008.
On 14 May 2013, the ESSM was considered one of the most common high-diving supersonic test targets. It proved that it can hit High-G maneuvering. This missile is also capable to counter low-velocity air threats and surface targets. No software changes were needed to prove the ESSM’s enhanced capability.
On 30 August 2015, this missile was operated during the annual ‘Co-operation Afloat Readiness and Training’ (‘CARAT’). It was fired from the Royal Thai Navy Naresuan-class and also achieved a direct hit from the BQM-74E drone missile.
On 9 October 2016, USS Mason used the RIM-162 ESSM along with two other SM-2s. It was used to defend against two incoming Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles were potentially Chinese-built C-802 missiles. It is not clear whether RIM-162 was responsible for intercepting the missiles, or was used in the combat situation.
In 2018, ESSM Block 2 managed to pass the live fire test. It also achieved the target of successfully intercepting a BQM-74E. It is a target drone that uses the active guidance seeker-head.
FAQS
1. What is ESSM Used For?
The ESSM is a guided missile. It went through the international cooperative upgrade and has now been upgraded to RIM-7 Seasparrow Missile. This missile offers self-defense battlespace and has the maximum firepower against high-speed, anti-ship missiles. It is generally used in the naval environment.
2. How Long Is RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow?
RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow is an atmospheric, surface-to-air missile. It is 3.64 m in length and 0.254 m in diameter. The missile has a range of around 50 km. It uses solid fuel and travels at the speed of Mach 4. It relies on inertial and semi-active radar for guidance.
3. Can You Weaponize RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow?
Unlike its previous iteration, RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow cannot be weaponized by default. It is equipped with one via customization. It is Minigun based and comes with a GAU-19 Gatling gu. The missile is a small missile launcher that is designed with four tubes inside.
4. What Is The Range Of The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow?
The range of RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow is 50 km+. This missile is used to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft.
Read More: RIM-156A Standard: Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
5. How Much Is RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow?
RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is in service and has been used in many battlefields. The cost of the unit is $165,400.
