[Ribbon-Grey]

AIM-7E Sparrow



ORIGIN: (Real World)
United States of America

GAMES FEATURED IN:
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat 05: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Ace Combat 06: Fires of Liberation

COMPATIBLE AIRCRAFT
F-4E Phantom II, F-14A Tomcat, F-14D Super Tomcat, F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-20A Tiger Shark.

OVERVIEW:
The Sparrow missile is a supersonic, medium-range, aerial-intercept missile that guides on Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Sparrow incorporates Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities, also known as Electronic Protection (EP), to defeat countermeasures such as jamming. The Sparrow began as project Hotshot in 1946, and became operational in late 1953. Experience during the Vietnam war demonstrated it to be virtually useless against maneuvering targets. A special AIM-7E-2 dogfight version was produced to overcome these shortcomings. Current configurations of the Sparrow missile include four air-launched variants, AIM-7M F1 Build, AIM-7M H Build, AIM-7P Block I, and AIM-7P Block II, and as many ship-launched variants, RIM-7M F1 Build, RIM-7M H Build, RIM-7P Block I, and RIM-7P Block II.

Each new version has resulted in substantial improvement in missile performance. The AIM/RIM-7E reduced minimum range restrictions and provided dogfight capabilities. The RIM-7H incorporates rapid run-up capabilities, providing improvements over previous versions. The AIM-7F incorporates solid state circuitry and modular design, an improved warhead, and a boost-sustain rocket motor. The AIM/RIM-7R is most recent configuration and adds a dual mode radio frequency/infrared (RF/IR) seeker capability.

The AIM-7F joined the Air Force inventory in 1976 as the primary medium-range, air-to-air missile for the F-15 Eagle. The AIM-7F was an almost completely new missile, gaining ability from improved avionics that allowed the warhead to be moved to the front, allowing a bigger motor to be carried that has improved range.

The AIM-7M, the only current operational version, entered service in 1982. It has improved reliability and performance over earlier models at low altitudes and in electronic countermeasures environments. It also has a significantly more lethal warhead. The latest software version of the AIM-7M is the H-Build, which has been produced since 1987 and incorporates additional improvements in guidance. AIM/RIM-7M DT and OT was successfully completed in FY82. The F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters carry the AIM-7M Sparrow.

The RIM-7M Sparrow is employed during ship-to-air combat missions by Spruance class Destroyers outfitted with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Sea Sparrow Missile System (NSSMS). In ship-to-air combat evolutions, Sparrow is used primarily to neutralize the threat of high performance, anti-ship missiles. The RIM-7M guidance and control section is common with the AIM-7M. When used in the surface launched RIM configuration, folding wings, clipped fins, and a remotely arm able rocket motor are used.

The AIM/RIM-7P Sparrow missile has undergone two block modifications. The AIM/RIM-7P Block I provides low altitude guidance and fusing capability. The AIM/RIM-7P Block II provides increased memory and throughput to the MBC, enhanced production software reprogrammable capability, and mid-course up-link improvements to the rear receiver.

The AIM/RIM-7R was the latest Sparrow new development, but the program was halted in the first quarter of FY97 following completion of its DT/OT program. The AIM/RIM-7R integrated a passive infrared seeker in its random for terminal guidance. Requirements for a dual mode seeker AIM-7R were rescinded in FY96. The AIM/RIM-7P Block II was the baseline for the AIM/RIM-7R missile.


Specifications:
Primary Function : Air-to-Air guided missile
Contractor : Raytheon Co.
Power Plant : Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor
Thrust : Classified
Speed : Classified
Range : approximately 30 nm
Length : 12 feet
Diameter : 8 inches
Wingspan : 3 feet, 4 inches
Warhead : Annular blast fragmentation warhead, 88 lbs high explosive
Launch Weight : Approximately 500 pounds (225 kilograms)
Guidance System : Raytheon semiactive on either continuous wave or pulsed Doppler radar energy
Date Deployed : 1976


Sources:
Various Sources

Accreditation:
cipher for the image

*Original Article by TornadoADV*

[Ribbon-Azure]

I used to hate these things... until it did a loop and smashed my enemy in the head.

[Traben]

The AC counterpart to the Sparrow is the SAAM, correct?

[Demon Lord Razgriz]

Yes, on the US and some EU aircraft.

[Zaku]

Yes, on the US and some EU aircraft.

Only American craft, actually; British planes use the Skyflash (essentially a license-built AIM-7) while the French models in AC use the Super 530.

[JakeHarlow]

These guys are great. They almost never miss. My weapon of choice in online play.

[Skylman2014]

List of compatible aircraft confirmed.

[Shirai_Kuroko]

SAAM Is confirmed to appear in Assault Horizon judging from the F-4E trailer. However, as of now, the only aircraft confirmed to carry it is just the F-4E, though.

Image may come later, as the connection keeps failing on me when I try to post along with the proof