Services: Navy, Marine Corps, and Air ForceDescription: A highly maneuverable air-to-air missile with
surface-to-air capability.
Features: The Navy's RIM-7M Sea Sparrow and the Air Force's AIM-7
Sparrow are radar-guided, air-to-air missiles with high explosive
warheads. They have a cylindrical body with four wings at mid-body and four tail
fins. The Navy uses the Sea Sparrow version aboard ships as a
surface-to-air anti-missile defense. The versatile Sparrow has
all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance
aircraft and missiles from any direction. It is widely deployed by U.S. and NATO
forces. The Sea Sparrow is found aboard many U.S. and NATO surface
warships.
Background: Originally developed by Sperry and the U.S. Navy,
Sparrow's later versions were developed and produced by Raytheon Co. and
General Dynamics. Subsequent versions were dubbed the "dog-fight modification"
because its increased maneuverability at short range made it better suited for
close-in visual engagements.
Points of Contact:
Navy:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Air Systems Command (AIR
07D2)
Washington, DC 20361-0701
Marine Corps:
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Public Affairs
Division
Washington, DC 20380-1775
(703) 614-1492
Air Force:
Air Combat Command
Public Affairs Office
90 Oak
Street
Langley AFB, VA 23665-2191
(804) 764-5007
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