Mk-29 Sea Sparrow Missile Launcher – Testing the RIM-7P & RIM-162 ESSM

U.S. Navy testing the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) during combat systems ship qualification trials (CSSQT) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. CSSQT is a Naval Sea Systems Command requirement to verify that ship personnel can operate and maintain their combat systems in a safe and effective manner. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting its final independent steaming event of post-delivery test and trials.

Addicional footage includes a RIM-7P missile fired from a Mk-29 Sea Sparrow missile launching system during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway for amphibious ready group training and deployment certifications.

00:00 – RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM)
03:11 – RIM-7P Sea Sparrow Missile

The RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) is a development of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile used to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft. ESSM is designed to counter supersonic maneuvering anti-ship missiles.

The new missile is 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter instead of the previous 8 inches, which allows for a much more powerful motor. It also eliminates the mid-mounted wings entirely, replacing them with long fins and moves guidance control to the rear fins that offers considerably higher maneuverability.

Credits: U.S. Navy videos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Angel Jaskuloski, Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Stamer, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryre Arciaga

Thumbnail Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Melvin

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Derivative works: Military Archive

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