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{{Redirect2|AIM7|Sparrow missile|the AIM7 benchmark|AIM Multiuser Benchmark|the Israeli target missile|Sparrow (target missile)}}
[[Image:Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile launch.jpg|thumb|300px|A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow being launched from the [[USS Essex (LHD-2)|USS ''Essex'' (LHD-2)]].]]
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = AIM-7 Sparrow
| image = AIM 7 HAFB Museum.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = AIM-7 Sparrow at [[Hill Air Force Base]] Museum.
| origin = United States
| type = Medium-range, semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile
| used_by = Australia, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States
| wars = [[Vietnam War]]<br/>[[Gulf War]]
| manufacturer = [[Raytheon]]
| unit_cost = $125,000
| propellant =
| production_date = AIM-7D: 1959<br/>AIM-7F: 1976<br/>AIM-7M: 1982
| service = 1958–present
| variants = Sparrow I: AIM-7A<br/>Sparrow II: AIM-7B<br/>Sparrow III: AIM-7C, AIM-7D, AIM-7E, AIM-7E2/[[Skyflash]]/[[Aspide]], AIM-7F, AIM-7M, AIM-7P, RIM-7M, [[AGM-45]]<ref name="Goebel">{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/twbomb_09.html#m2 |title=&#91;9.0&#93; Anti-Radar Missiles |access-date=27 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121074852/http://vectorsite.net/twbomb_09.html |archive-date=21 November 2011 }}</ref>
| engine = AIM-7A/B/C – Aerojet 1.8KS7800 solid rocket <br/>AIM-7D/E – Rocketdyne MK 38/MK 52 solid rocket <br/>AIM-7F/M/P – Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor<ref name="designation-systems.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html|title=Raytheon AIM/RIM-7 Sparrow|website=www.designation-systems.net|access-date=6 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202152/http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| weight = {{convert|510|lb|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|12|ft|abbr=on}}
| height =
| diameter = {{convert|8|in|abbr=on}}
| wingspan = {{convert|2|ft|8|in|abbr=on}} (AIM-7A/B)
| speed = AIM-7A/B: [[Mach number|Mach]] 2.5 <br>AIM-7C/E/F: Mach 4<ref name=Designation_Systems>[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles: Raytheon AIM-7/RIM-7 Sparrow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202152/http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html |date=3 March 2016 }}. Designation Systems.</ref>
| vehicle_range = AIM-7C: {{convert|26|km|nmi}} <br/>AIM-7D: {{convert|44|km|nmi}} <br/>AIM-7E/E2: {{convert|50|km|nmi}} <br/>AIM-7F/M/P: {{convert|70|km|nmi}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/AIM-7F_Sparrow_III_SMC_-_January_1977.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014175637/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/AIM-7F_Sparrow_III_SMC_-_January_1977.pdf |archive-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=live|title=AIM-7F Sparrow III - Standard Missile Characteristics}}</ref><ref name="designation-systems.net"/>
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| filling = [[High explosive]] [[blast-fragmentation]]<br/>AIM-7F/M: {{convert|88|lb}}
| guidance = semi-active radar homing
| detonation =
| launch_platform = '''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-104 Starfighter|F-104S Starfighter]]
* [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado F.3 ADV]]
* [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]
* [[Mitsubishi F-2]]
| number = >70,000<ref name="forecastinternational.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/fic/loginform.cfm|title=Forecast International: Intelligence Center|website=www.forecastinternational.com}}</ref>
}}


The '''AIM-7 Sparrow''' is a medium-range [[semi-active radar homing]] [[air-to-air missile]] operated by the [[United States Air Force]], [[US Navy]], and [[USMC]] as well as various allied air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile from the late 1950s until the 1990s. It remains in service, although it is being phased out in aviation applications in favor of the more advanced [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]]. The armed forces of [[Japan]] employ the sparrow missile, though it is being phased out and replaced by the [[Mitsubishi AAM-4]].
The '''AIM-7 Sparrow''' (Air Intercept Missile<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/Air-Intercept-Missile-AIM-7-Sparrow|title=Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-7 Sparrow|publisher=navair.navy.mil|access-date=30 July 2021}}</ref>) is an American medium-range [[semi-active radar homing]] [[air-to-air missile]] operated by the [[United States Air Force]], [[United States Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps]], and various other air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal [[Beyond-visual-range missile|beyond visual range]] (BVR) air-to-air missile from the late 1950s until the 1990s. It remains in service, although it is being phased out in aviation applications in favor of the more advanced [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) |url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2018_SARS/19-F-1098_DOC_14_AMRAAM_SAR_Dec_2018.pdf}}</ref>


The early Sparrow was intended primarily for use against larger targets, especially bombers, and had numerous operational limitations in other uses. Against smaller targets, the need to receive a strong reflected radar signal made it difficult to achieve [[Radar lock-on|lock-on]] at the missile's effective range. As the launching aircraft's own radar needed to be pointed at the target throughout the engagement, this meant that in fighter-vs-fighter combat the enemy fighter would often approach within the range of shorter-range [[infrared homing]] missiles while the launching aircraft had to continue flying towards its target. Additionally, early models were only effective against targets at roughly the same or higher altitudes, below which reflections from the ground became a problem.
The Sparrow was used as the basis for a [[surface-to-air missile]], the '''RIM-7 Sea Sparrow''', which is used by the [[US Navy]] for air defense of its ships.

A number of upgraded Sparrow designs were developed to address these issues. In the early 1970s, the [[RAF]] developed the [[Skyflash]] version with an [[inverse monopulse seeker]]{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} and improved motor, while the [[Italian Air Force]] introduced the similar [[Aspide]]. Both could be fired at targets below the launching fighter ("[[Look-down/shoot-down|look-down, shoot-down]]"), were more resistant to countermeasures, and were much more accurate in the terminal phase. This basic concept then became part of the US Sparrows in the M model (for monopulse) and some of these were later updated as the P model, the last to be produced in the US. Aspides sold to [[China]] resulted in the locally produced [[PL-11 (missile)|PL-11]]. The [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] also employ the Sparrow missile, though it is being phased out and replaced by the [[Mitsubishi AAM-4]].

The Sparrow was also used as the basis for a [[surface-to-air missile]], the [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow]], used by a number of navies for air defense. Fired at low altitude and flying directly at its target, though, the range of the missile in this role is greatly reduced because of the higher air density of the lower atmosphere. With the retirement of the Sparrow in the air-to-air role, a new version of the Sea Sparrow was produced to address this concern, producing the larger and more capable [[RIM-162 ESSM]].


==Development==
==Development==
====Sparrow I====
===Sparrow I===
[[File:Douglas XF3D-1 Skyknight in flight with four AAM-N-2 Sparrow missiles, circa in the early 1950s.jpg|thumb|left|Sparrow I's during tests on a [[Douglas F3D Skyknight]] in the early 1950s]]
[[Image:USAF F-15C fires AIM-7 Sparrow.jpg|thumb|300px|A United States [[F-15 Eagle|F-15C Eagle]] fires an AIM-7 Sparrow.]]
The Sparrow emerged from a late-1940s [[US Navy]] program to develop a guided rocket weapon for air-to-air use. In [[1947 in aviation|1947]] the Navy contracted [[Sperry Corporation|Sperry]] to build a [[beam riding]] version of a standard 5-inch (127 mm) [[HVAR]], the standard unguided aerial rocket, under '''Project Hotshot'''. The weapon was initially dubbed '''KAS-1''', then '''AAM-2''', and, from [[1948 in aviation|1948]] on, '''AAM-N-2'''. The airframe was developed by [[Douglas Aircraft Company]]. The diameter of the HVAR proved to be inadequate for the electronics, leading Douglas to expand the missile's airframe to 8 in (203 mm) diameter. The prototype weapon made its first aerial interception in [[1952 in aviation|1952]].


The Sparrow emerged from a late-1940s [[United States Navy]] program to develop a guided rocket weapon for air-to-air use. In 1947 the Navy contracted [[Sperry Corporation|Sperry]] to build a [[beam riding|beam-riding]] version of a standard {{convert|5|in|mm|adj=on|sigfig=3}} [[HVAR]], the standard unguided aerial rocket, under '''Project Hotshot'''. The weapon was initially dubbed '''KAS-1''', then '''AAM-2''', and — from 1948 on — '''AAM-N-2'''. The airframe was developed by the [[Douglas Aircraft Company]]. The diameter of the HVAR proved to be inadequate for the electronics, leading Douglas to expand the missile's airframe to {{convert|8|in|mm|adj=on|sigfig=3}} diameter. The prototype weapon began unpowered flight tests in 1947, and made its first aerial interception in 1952.<ref name=Designation_Systems/>
After a protracted development cycle the initial '''AAM-N-2 ''Sparrow''''' entered service in [[1956 in aviation|1956]], carried by the [[F3H Demon|F3H-2M Demon]] and [[F7U Cutlass]] [[fighter aircraft]]. Compared to the modern versions, the Sparrow I was more [[streamlined]] and featured a bullet-shaped airframe with a long pointed nose.


After a protracted development cycle the initial '''AAM-N-2 Sparrow''' entered limited operational service in 1954 with specially modified [[Douglas F3D Skyknight]] all-weather carrier night fighters.<ref>{{cite book|title=Guided Missiles Ride Navy Jet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sdwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA116|date=November 1954|publisher=Hearst Magazines|page=116}}</ref> In 1956, they were joined by the [[McDonnell F3H Demon|McDonnell F3H-2M Demon]] and [[Vought F7U Cutlass]] [[fighter aircraft]]. Compared to the modern versions, the Sparrow I was more streamlined and featured a bullet-shaped airframe with a long pointed nose.
Sparrow I was a limited and rather primitive weapon. The limitations of beam-riding guidance (which was slaved to an optical sight, requiring visual identification of the target) restricted the missile to visual-range attacks and made it essentially useless against a maneuvering target. Only about 2,000 rounds were produced to this standard.


Sparrow I was a limited and rather primitive weapon. The limitations of beam-riding guidance (which was slaved to an optical sight on single-seater fighters and to radar on night fighters) restricted the missile to attacks against targets flying a straight course and made it essentially useless against a maneuvering target. Only about 2,000 rounds were produced to this standard.
====Sparrow II====
As early as 1950 Douglas examined equipping the Sparrow with an active radar seeker, initially known as '''XAAM-N-2a ''Sparrow II''''', the original retroactively becoming '''''Sparrow I'''''. In 1952 it was given the new code '''AAM-N-3'''.


===Sparrow II===
By [[1955 in aviation|1955]] Douglas proposed going ahead with development, intending it to be the primary weapon for the [[F5D Skylancer]] [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]], and ten years later an advanced active radar similar to the modern [[AMRAAM]] the [[Avro Arrow]] to be built under license by [[Canadair]] this is discussed later. However the small size of the missile forebody and the K-band AN/APQ-64 radar limited performance, and it was never able to work in testing.
[[File:Sparrow 2 Missile.jpg|thumb|Sparrow 2 Missile]]
As early as 1950, Douglas examined equipping the Sparrow with an active radar seeker, initially known as '''XAAM-N-2a ''Sparrow II''''', the original retroactively becoming '''''Sparrow I'''''. In 1952, it was given the new code '''AAM-N-3'''. The active radar made the Sparrow II a "fire and forget" weapon, allowing several to be fired at separate targets at the same time.


By 1955, Douglas proposed going ahead with development, intending it to be the primary weapon for the [[F5D Skylancer]] [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]]. It was later selected, with some controversy, to be the primary weapon for the Canadian [[Avro Arrow]] supersonic interceptor, along with the new Astra fire-control system. For Canadian use and as a second source for US missiles, [[Canadair]] was selected to build the missiles in [[Quebec]].
The program was cancelled in [[1958 in aviation|1958]], and although there was some discussion of Canadair taking over the work, when the Arrow was cancelled all work ended.


The small size of the missile forebody and the K-band AN/APQ-64-radar limited performance, and it was never able to work in testing. After considerable development and test firings in the U.S. and Canada, Douglas abandoned development in 1956. Canadair continued development until the Arrow was cancelled in 1959.
====Sparrow 2D====
In the 1960s as part with the [[Avro Arrow]] project an advanced version of the Sparrow II missile equipped with its own radar was considered. In that day it was thought that it was not modern and had little potential. Another note about it is that because of the potential high power of the [[CF-105]]'s and the missile's [[radar]] it may have had longer range. Sadly it was not put into production and it is unknown if it was produced and if it was how many. If developed it may have had similar capability's to the modern [[AMRAAM]]


====Sparrow X====
===Sparrow X===
A subvariant of the Sparrow 2D that carries the same nuclear warhead as the [[MD-2 Genie]] but was cancelled due to that when it was proposed was slightly before the [[CF-105]] was cancelled.
A subvariant of the Sparrow I armed with the same nuclear warhead as the [[AIR-2 Genie|MB-1 Genie]] was proposed in 1958 but was cancelled shortly thereafter.


====Sparrow III====
===Sparrow III===
[[File:Sparrow III launch F3H-2M NAN2-59.jpg|thumb|upright|[[F3H Demon]] launching a Sparrow III in 1958]]
Concurrently, in [[1951 in aviation|1951]], [[Raytheon]] began work on the [[semi-active radar homing]] version of Sparrow family of missiles, the '''AAM-N-6 ''Sparrow III'''''. The first of these weapons entered [[United States Navy|US Navy]] service in [[1958 in aviation|1958]].


Concurrently with the development of the Sparrow I, in 1951 [[Raytheon]] began work on a [[semi-active radar homing|semi-active radar-homing]] version, the '''AAM-N-6 ''Sparrow III'''''. The first of these weapons entered [[United States Navy]] service in 1958.
The '''AAM-N-6a''' was similar to the -6, but used a new [[Thiokol]] liquid-fuel rocket engine for improved performance. It also included changes to the guidance electronics to make it effective at higher closing speeds. The -6a was also selected to arm the Air Force's '''F-110A ''Spectre''''' ([[F-4 Phantom]]) fighters in [[1962 in aviation|1962]], known to them as the '''AIM-101'''. It entered production in 1959, eventually being built to about 7500 examples.


The '''AAM-N-6a''' was similar to the -6, and included changes to the guidance electronics to make it effective at higher closing speeds. It was originally designed to take the [[Thiokol]] LR44-RM-2 liquid-fuel rocket motor, but the decision was made to retain the solid fuel rocket motor.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Pfeiffer |first=Mary |date=January 1962 |title=Liquid Rockets |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation/Naval%20Aviation%20News/1960/pdf/jan62.pdf |access-date=2024-03-13 |magazine=Naval Aviation News |publisher=Chief of Naval Operations and Bureau of Naval Weapons |location=Washington D.C. |page=13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Davies |first=Harold |date=2007 |title=Reaction Motors (Thiokol) Family of Packaged Liquid Rocket Engines |journal=Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets |language=en |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=1271–1284 |doi=10.2514/1.30134 |issn=0022-4650}}</ref> The -6a was also selected to arm the Air Force's ''F-110A Spectre'' ([[F-4 Phantom]]) fighters in 1962, known to them as the '''AIM-101'''. It entered production in 1959, with 7500 being built.
Another upgrade switched back to a Rocketdyne solid-fuel motor for the '''AAM-N-6b''', which started production in [[1963 in aviation|1963]]. The new motor significantly increased range, which was up to 35 km for head-on attacks.


With an improved Rocketdyne solid-fuel motor, the '''AAM-N-6b''' started production in 1963. The new motor significantly increased the maximum range to {{convert|35|km|mi}} for head-on attacks. This new missile also improved tail-on performance, with the AAM-N-6a being capable of firing on only targets with 300 ft/sec closing velocity, and AAM-N-6b being capable of firing on targets with a 300 knot opening velocity (-300 knot closing velocity or higher).<ref>{{cite report |url=https://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/dod/readingroom/11/356.pdf |title=AIR-TO-AIR ENCOUNTERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. |author= |date=April 1968 |publisher= |volume=IV |page=151 |docket= |quote= |author-link= |access-date=2024-03-13 }}</ref>
During this year the Navy and Air Force agreed on a standardized naming for their missiles, the Sparrows becoming the AIM-7 series. The original Sparrow I and aborted Sparrow II became the '''AIM-7A''' and '''AIM-7B''', even though both were long gone from the inventory. The -6, -6a and -6B became the '''AIM-7C''', '''AIM-7D''' and '''AIM-7E''' respectively.


During this year the Air Force and Navy agreed on standardized naming conventions for their missiles. The Sparrows became the AIM-7 series. The original Sparrow I and aborted Sparrow II became the '''AIM-7A''' and '''AIM-7B''', despite both being out of service. The -6, -6a, and -6b became the '''AIM-7C''', '''AIM-7D''', and '''AIM-7E''' respectively.
25,000 AIM-7E's were produced, and saw extensive use during the [[Vietnam War]], where its performance was generally considered disappointing. The mixed results were a combination of reliability problems (exacerbated by the tropical climate), limited pilot training in fighter-to-fighter combat, and restrictive rules of engagement that generally prohibited BVR (beyond visual range) engagements. The P<small><sub>k</sub></small> (kill probability) of the AIM-7E was less than 10%; US fighter pilots shot down a grand total of 55 aircraft using the Sparrow.


25,000 AIM-7Es were produced and saw extensive use during the [[Vietnam War]], where its performance was considered disappointing. The mixed results were a combination of reliability problems (exacerbated by the tropical climate), limited pilot training in fighter-to-fighter combat, and restrictive rules of engagement that generally prohibited BVR (beyond visual range) engagements. The P<sub>k</sub> (kill probability) of the AIM-7E was less than 10%; US fighter pilots shot down 59<ref group=Note>Figure includes probables and bi-planes, which some sources exclude</ref> aircraft out of the 612 Sparrows fired.<ref>Michel III p. 286, 287</ref> Of the 612 AIM-7D/E/E-2 missiles fired, 97 (or 15.8%) hit their targets, resulting in 56 (or 9.2%) kills. Two kills were obtained beyond visual range.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006psa_winter_roundtable/watts.pdf |title=Barry D. Watts: ''Six Decades of Guided Munitions'', Precision Strike Association, 25 January 2006, p. 5 |access-date=26 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720010705/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006psa_winter_roundtable/watts.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In [[1969 in aviation|1969]] an improved version, the E-2, was introduced with clipped wings and various changes to the fusing. Considered a "dogfight Sparrow", the AIM-7E-2 was intended to be used at shorter ranges where the missile was still travelling at high speeds, and in the head-on aspect, making it much more useful in the visual limitations imposed on the engagements. Even so, its kill rate was only 13% in actual combat in 1972, leading to a practice of ripple-firing all four at once in hopes of increasing kill probability. (Michel 232) Its worst tendency was that of detonating prematurely, approximately a thousand feet in front of the launching aircraft, but it also had many motor failures, erratic flights, and fusing problems. (Michel 228) An E-3 version included additional changes to the fusing, and an E-4 featured a modified seeker for use with the [[F-14 Tomcat]].


In 1969, an improved version, the E-2, was introduced with clipped wings and various changes to the fuzing. Considered a "dogfight Sparrow", the AIM-7E-2 was intended to be used at shorter ranges where the missile was still travelling at high speeds, and in the head-on aspect, making it much more useful in the visual limitations imposed on the engagements. Even so, its kill rate was only 13% in combat, leading to a practice of ripple-firing all four at once in hopes of increasing kill probability. Its worst tendency was to detonate prematurely about 1,000 feet ahead of the launching aircraft, but it also had many motor failures, erratic flights, and fuzing problems. An E-3 version included additional changes to the fuzing, and the E-4 featured a modified seeker for use with the [[F-14 Tomcat]].
Improved versions of the AIM-7 were developed in the 1970s in an attempt to address the weapon's limitations. The '''AIM-7F''', which entered service in [[1976 in aviation|1976]], had a dual-stage rocket motor for longer range, [[solid-state electronics]] for greatly improved reliability, and a larger warhead. Even this version had room for improvement, leading [[British Aerospace]] and the Italian firm [[Selenia]] to develop advanced versions of Sparrow with better performance and improved electronics as the '''[[Skyflash]]''' and '''Selenia Aspide''', respectively.
[[Image:Loading_AIM-7.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An AIM-7M being loaded]]
The most common version of the Sparrow today, the '''AIM-7M''', entered service in [[1982 in aviation|1982]] and featured a new inverse monopulse seeker (matching the capabilities of Skyflash), active radar fuse, digital controls, improved [[electronic countermeasures|ECM]] resistance, and better low-altitude performance. It was used to good advantage in the [[Gulf War|1991 Gulf War]], where it scored many USAF air-to-air kills; however it's kill probability, overall, is still less than 40%.


===Vietnam War (1965–1973) records===
The '''AIM-7P''' is similar in most ways to the M versions, and was primarily an upgrade program for existing M-series missiles. The main changes were to the software, improving low-level performance. A follow-on Block II upgrade added a new rear receiver allowing the missile to receive mid-course correction from the launching aircraft. Plans initially called for all M versions to be upgraded, but currently P's are being issued as required to replace M's lost or removed from the inventory.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ [[United States Air Force]] AIM-7 aerial combat kills<ref name="McCarthy Jr., p. 148-157"/>
! scope="col" width="140pt" | Missile firing aircraft
! scope="col" width="100pt" | Model
! scope="col" width="140pt" | Aircraft shot down
! scope="col" width="300pt" | Comments
|-
| F-4C Phantom II
| AIM-7D
| 1 MiG-17
| [[555th Tactical Fighter Squadron]] (TFS)
|-
| F-4C
| AIM-7E
| 3 MiG-17s,<br />10 MiG-21s
| [[389th TFS]], [[433rd TFS]], [[480th TFS]], [[555th TFS]]
|-
| F-4D
| AIM-7E
| 4 MiG-17s,<br />2 MiG-21s
| [[433rd TFS]], [[435th TFS]], [[555th TFS]]
|-
| F-4D
| AIM-7E-2
| 18 MiG-21s,<br />3 [[MiG-19]]s
| [[4th TFS]], [[13th TFS]], [[34th TFS]], [[523rd TFS]], [[555th TFS]]
|-
| F-4E
| AIM-7E-2
| 8 MiG-21s,<br />1 MiG-19
| [[4th TFS]], [[35th TFS]], [[58th TFS]], [[366th TFS]], [[555th TFS]]
|}


{| class="wikitable"
The final version of the missile was to have been the '''AIM-7R''', which added an [[infrared]] seeker to an otherwise unchanged AIM-7P Block II. A general wind-down of the budget led to it being cancelled in 1997.
|+[[United States Navy]] AIM-7 aerial combat kills<ref name="McCarthy Jr., p. 148-157">McCarthy Jr., p. 148-157</ref>
! scope="col" width="140pt" | Missile firing aircraft
! scope="col" width="100pt" | Model
! scope="col" width="140pt" | Aircraft shot down
! scope="col" width="300pt" | Comments
|-
| F-4B Phantom II
| AIM-7D
| 4 [[MiG-17]]s (includes 2 probables)
| US fighters launched from [[USS Ranger (CV-61)|USS ''Ranger'']], [[USS Midway (CV-41)|USS ''Midway'']], [[USS Coral Sea (CV-43)|USS ''Coral Sea'']]
|-
| F-4B
| AIM-7E
| 2 [[An-2]] (Antonov [[Biplane]]s),<br />2 [[MiG-21]]s, 1 MiG-17
| US fighters launched from [[USS Constellation (CV-64)|USS ''Constellation'']] and [[USS Enterprise (CVN-65)|USS ''Enterprise'']]
|-
| F-4J
| AIM-7E-2
| 1 MiG-21
| US fighters launched from [[USS Saratoga (CV-60)|USS ''Saratoga'']]
|}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
Sparrow is now being phased out with the availability of the active-radar [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]], but is likely to remain in service for a number of years.
|+ Kill count summary
! Category
! USAF
! USN
! Combined
|-
| An-2s
| {{N/A}}
| 2
| 2
|-
| MiG-17s
| 8
| 5
| 13
|-
| MiG-19s
| 4
| {{N/A}}
| 4
|-
| MiG-21s
| 38
| 3
| 41
|-
| Total
| 50
| 10
| 60
|}


====Sea Sparrow====
===Post Vietnam===
Improved versions of the AIM-7 were developed in the 1970s in an attempt to address the weapon's limitations. The '''AIM-7F''', which entered service in 1976, had a dual-stage rocket motor for longer range, [[solid-state electronics]] for greatly improved reliability, and a larger warhead. Even this version had room for improvement, leading [[British Aerospace]] and the Italian firm [[Alenia Aeronautica|Alenia]] to develop advanced versions of Sparrow with better performance and improved electronics as the [[Skyflash|BAe Skyflash]] and [[Alenia Aspide]], respectively.
{{splitsection|RIM-7 Sea Sparrow|December 2006}}
[[Image:Sea Sparrow BPDMS Launch.JPEG|thumb|250px|A Sea Sparrow missile is launched using a BPDMS Mark 25 Launcher and a manned director (above and left of the missile) for targeting aboard the [[USS Midway (CV-41)|USS ''Midway'' (CV-41)]].]]
Sea Sparrow was developed as a lightweight "point defense" weapon that could be retrofitted to existing ships, often in place of existing gun-based anti-aircraft weapons. The primary development issues were changes to the seekers to allow them to operate with shipboard radars, and the new Mark 25 trainable launcher system, based on the [[ASROC]] launcher, to align the seeker head with the target before launch. Combined with a Mark 115 manned fire control director it was know as the Basic Point Defense Surface Missile System (BPDSMS) or just BPDMS.


The most common version of the Sparrow today, the '''AIM-7M''', entered service in 1982 and featured a new inverse monopulse seeker (matching the capabilities of Skyflash), active radar [[proximity fuse]], digital controls, improved [[electronic countermeasures|ECM]] resistance, and better low-altitude performance. It was used to good advantage in the 1991 [[Gulf War]], where it scored many USAF air-to-air kills. Of 44 missiles fired, 30 (68.2%) hit their intended targets resulting in 24/26 (54.5%/59.1%) kills. 19 kills were obtained beyond visual range.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006psa_winter_roundtable/watts.pdf |title=Barry D. Watts: ''Six Decades of Guided Munitions'', Precision Strike Association, 25 January 2006, p. 7 |access-date=26 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720010705/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006psa_winter_roundtable/watts.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
As a surface-to-air system, the Sparrow has a number of disadvantages. For one, the missile steers with its mid-mounted wings, which initially made them unfoldable. For this reason the missile takes up much more room than it would have to if the wings could be folded. Additionally the engine is optimized for flight time, as opposed to fast acceleration, which makes sense when launched from an aircraft moving at high speed at a target at long range. In the surface-to-air role, however, one would rather have very high acceleration in order to allow it to intercept sea-skimming targets as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Sea Sparrow possesses a shorter range than its air-to-air counterpart. Some estimates indicate that it may be effective only to 10 nm, about one quarter of the range of the AIM-7 Sparrow.


The '''AIM-7P''' is similar in most ways to the M versions, and was primarily an upgrade for existing M-series missiles. Changes were mainly to the software, improving low-level performance. A follow-on Block II upgrade added a new rear receiver allowing the missile to receive mid-course correction from the launching aircraft.{{cn|date=July 2023}} Plans initially called for all M versions to be upgraded, but currently P's are being issued as required to replace M's lost or removed from the inventory.{{cn|date=July 2023}}
[[Image:O'Brien firing Sea Sparrow.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[USS O'Brien (DD-975)|USS ''O'Brien'' (DD-975)]] launches a Sea Sparrow missile, shown with its mid-wing still folded as it departs a NSSM Mark 29 launcher on [[November 5]], [[2003]].]]
As part of the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile system (NSSM) the launcher size was reduced by folding the mid-mounted wings, resulting in the Mark 29 NSSM launcher. The older manned directors were replaced by unmanned AN/SPS-65 radars, part of the Mark 91 Fire control system. NSSM replaced BPDMS on Aircraft Carriers and was used on other ships such as [[Spruance class destroyer]]s.


The final version of the missile was to have been the '''AIM-7R''', which added an [[infrared homing]] seeker to an otherwise unchanged AIM-7P Block II. A general wind-down of the budget led to it being cancelled in 1997.{{cn|date=July 2023}}
In order to address these issues, a consortium of many Sea Sparrow users joined together to create the [[ESSM|''Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile'' ('''ESSM''')]]. The new design uses the tail-fins for steering, allowing the wings to fold. This allows the missile body to increase in size while still fitting into the same launchers, growing to 10 inches in diameter and offering far higher performance. Additionally the wing-based maneuvering of the older design is designed to save energy during the long gliding period of the missile, while the tail-fin based steering of the ESSM uses up more energy but offers considerably higher maneuverability while the engine is still firing.


The U.S. Navy planned to operate the missile through 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-7 Sparrow |url=http://www.navair.navy.mil/product/Air-Intercept-Missile-AIM-7-Sparrow |website=NAVAIR |access-date=24 October 2024}}</ref>
[[Image:Sea Sparrow Mark115 Fire Control Director.JPEG|left|thumb|150px|Mark 115 manned director, initially used to guide a Sea Sparrow to its target as a part of BPDMS.]]
Another recent development is the ''Jet Vane Control'' ('''JVC''') unit, which can be added to the base of the missile to allow it to be vertically launched. After being "popped" from the launch cell the JVC rotates the missile to bring the seeker onto the target and level the flightpath in that direction. It is then jettisoned. Vertical launching allows a single cell to cover the entire area around the ship, because the seeker can be pointed in any direction by the JVC after launch. Additionally the time needed to point the launcher is eliminated. Another major advantage of the ESSM is that it uses a Mk 25 quad-pack canister allowing four missiles to be loaded into a [[Vertical Launching System|''Vertical Launch System'' ('''VLS''')]], instead of just one, quadrupling capacity.[http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=350]


The Sparrow is now being phased out with the availability of the active-radar [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]], but is likely to remain in service for several years.{{when|date=July 2023}}{{cn|date=July 2023}}
Though initially employed by the United States Navy and other NATO countries, there are now numerous navies that use variants of the Sea Sparrow.


==Foreign version==
===Variants===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
===Italy===
|+ AIM-7 variants<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html|title=Raytheon AIM/RIM-7 Sparrow|website=www.designation-systems.net|access-date=2016-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202152/http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{main|Selenia Aspide}}
|-
The Italian company Finmeccanica, Alenia Difesa licensed the AIM-7E Sparrow technology from US, and produced its own improved version called '''Aspide'''.
!
! AAM-N-2 (AIM-7A)
! AAM-N-3 (AIM-7B)
! AIM-7C
! AIM-7E
! AIM-7F
! AIM-7M/P
! RIM-7M/P
|-
! Length
| 3.74 m (147.3&nbsp;in)
| 3.85 m (151.7&nbsp;in)
| colspan="5" | 3.66 m (144&nbsp;in)
|-
! Wingspan
| 0.94 m (37&nbsp;in)
| colspan="6" | 1.02 m (40&nbsp;in)
|-
! Finspan
| 0.88 m (34.8&nbsp;in)
| ?
| colspan="4" | 0.81 m (32&nbsp;in)
| 0.62 m (24.3&nbsp;in)
|-
! Diameter
| colspan="7" | 0.203 m (8&nbsp;in)
|-
! Weight
| 143&nbsp;kg (315&nbsp;lb)
| 176&nbsp;kg (389&nbsp;lb)
| 172&nbsp;kg (380&nbsp;lb)
| 197&nbsp;kg (435&nbsp;lb)
| colspan="3" | 231&nbsp;kg (510&nbsp;lb)
|-
! Speed
| colspan="2" | Mach 2.5
| colspan="5" | Mach 4
|-
! Range
| 10&nbsp;km (5.4&nbsp;nm)
| 7&nbsp;km (4&nbsp;nm)
| 11&nbsp;km (6&nbsp;nm)
| 30&nbsp;km (16&nbsp;nm)
| colspan="2" | 70&nbsp;km (38&nbsp;nm)
| 26&nbsp;km (14&nbsp;nm)
|-
! Propulsion
| colspan="3" | Aerojet [[1.8KS7800]] solid rocket
| Rocketdyne MK 38/MK 52 <br/>solid rocket
| colspan="3" | Hercules MK 58 dual-thrust solid rocket
|-
! Warhead
| colspan="2" | 20&nbsp;kg (45&nbsp;lb)
| colspan="2" | 30&nbsp;kg (65&nbsp;lb) MK 38 continuous rod
| 39&nbsp;kg (86&nbsp;lb) MK 71 <br/>continuous rod
| colspan="2" | 40&nbsp;kg (88&nbsp;lb) WDU-27/B <br/>blast-fragmentation
|}


<gallery mode="packed">
===People's Republic of China===
File:Australian F-18A Hornet launches Sparrow missile c1990.jpg|An Australian F-18A Hornet fires an AIM-7 Sparrow missile.
File:F-4C 154 FIS AIM-7E AIM-9P 1980.JPEG|AIM-7Es being loaded on a Hawaii ANG F-4C in 1980
File:F-4G 37FW AIM-7F AGM-65A AGM-88 1988.JPEG|AIM-7Ms on a 37th TFW F-4G in 1988
File:AIM-7 wing install.jpg|Wings being installed on an AIM-7
File:Loading AIM-7.jpg|An AIM-7M being loaded
File:USAF F-15C fires AIM-7 Sparrow 2.jpg|A USAF F-15C fires an AIM-7 Sparrow.
</gallery>


==Foreign versions==
In the mid 1980s, China imported a small batch of the Aspide Mk.1 from Italy, then signed an agreement with Alenia to produce the missile locally under license. In 1989, China produced its first batch of Aspide Mk.1 missiles using imported parts from Italy. However, due to the EU arms embargo imposed after the June 1989 [[Tienanmen Square]] incident, China was unable to purchase additional Aspide kits. [http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl11.asp]
===Canada===
[[File:Canadair Sparrow missile.jpg|thumb|A Sparrow II is tested at a Canadair facility. Note the RCAF roundels painted on the fins.]]


As part of the [[Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow]] program, Canadair (now [[Bombardier Inc.|Bombardier]]) partnered with [[Douglas Aircraft Company]] in the development of the Sparrow II (AAM-N-3/AIM-7B). After Douglas dropped out of this program, [[Canadair]] continued on with it until the termination of the Arrow project.
In the early 1990s, the Shanghai 2nd Mechanical-Electronics Bureau was tasked to produce a better medium-range AAM. They succeeded by merging the domestic HQ-61C missile with the Aspide's mono-pulse semi-active radar-homing seeker. The new missile was given the designation PL-11. Some western observers mistakenly confuse the [[PL-10]], which is based on the older HQ-61 technology. [http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl10.asp]


The AAM-N-3 Sparrow II was unique in that it had a fully [[active radar guidance]] system.<ref name="forecastinternational.com"/> This combined both a radar transmitter and receiver in the missile, making it unnecessary for the pilot to keep the aircraft aimed at the target after firing the missile,<ref name="Canadair1959">{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/canadair50otherproducts/1959missiles|title=1959missiles – canadair50otherproducts|website=sites.google.com|access-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527151453/https://sites.google.com/site/canadair50otherproducts/1959missiles|archive-date=27 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> unlike [[Semi-active radar homing]] (SARH) missiles which require continuous radar-assisted guidance throughout flight. This allowed the aircraft that fired the AAM-N-3 to turn away, prosecute other targets, and/or escape from potential retaliatory missiles fired by the enemy aircraft during the time it took for the Sparrow to reach its target. Despite the significant advantages of this design over SARH guidance, all subsequent models of the Sparrow use [[semi-active radar homing]].
Known versions of the [[PL-11]] include:


To accommodate the active radar guidance system, the AAM-N-3 Sparrow II had a much greater volume than its predecessor. Its size would subsequently set the precedent for all future Sparrow variants.<ref name="forecastinternational.com"/>
* PL-11 - MRAAM based on HQ-61C & Aspide (AIM-7M) technology. First tested from a J-8B fighter in 1992, limited service in mid-1990s for testing and evaluation. Promoted for export as the FD-60. [http://mil.jschina.com.cn/huitong/missile.htm]


In 1959, Canadair had completed five missiles based on airframes from Douglas, and built two models from scratch, when the program was cancelled with the cancellation of the Arrow.<ref name="Canadair1959"/>
* PL-11A - Improved PL-11 with better range, warhead, and seeker. The new seeker only requires fire-control radar guidance during the terminal stage.


===Italy===
* PL-11B - Also known as PL-11 AMR, improved PL-11 with AMR-1 active radar-homing seeker developed by the 607 Institute. Did not enter service as PLAAF opted for other missiles (PL-12/SD-10).
{{Main|Aspide}}
[[File:Misil_Aspide.jpg|thumb|The Aspide was more heavily modified than other Sparrow derivatives like Skyflash, including a new motor, new guidance system and changes to the control surfaces.]]

The Italian company Finmeccanica (now [[Leonardo S.p.A.]]), Alenia Difesa licensed the AIM-7E Sparrow technology from the US, and produced its own version.
Later in the 1980s, Alenia started to produce an improved version of the AIM-7 called the Aspide. Compared to the AIM-7E, it received an improved new monopulse guidance system that allowed for a better hit ratio and easier targeting of enemies at low altitude with ground-clutter confusion.
It also received a new and more powerful engine and new control surfaces. These control surfaces were each independent of the others, giving the missile greatly improved maneuverability over the AIM-7E and the English Skyflash that still used dependent control surfaces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aereimilitari.org/Armamenti/Aspide.htm|title = Aerei Militari - Selenia Aspide}}</ref>

===People's Republic of China===
{{Main|PL-11 (missile)}}
The PL-11 and [[HQ-6]] are a family of Chinese missiles developed by the Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, largely based on the Italian Aspide version of the Sparrow missile.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ly-60.htm |title= LY-60 / PL-10 |website= FAS.org |access-date= 15 November 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150409025528/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ly-60.htm |archive-date= 9 April 2015 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinese-aam-aspirations-may-build-on-alenia-aspide-10158/ |title= Chinese AAM aspirations may build on Alenia Aspide |first= Douglas |last= Barrie |website= FlightGlobal |date= 27 November 1996 |access-date= 15 November 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034417/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/chinese-aam-aspirations-may-build-on-alenia-aspide-10158/ |archive-date= 29 November 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref>


===Soviet Union===
* LY-60 - "Chinese Sea Sparrow", PL-11 adopted for navy ships for air-defense. Sold to Pakistan but did not enter service with the PLAN. VLS-launch version is rumored to be under development. [http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/navalmissile/ly60.asp]
The Soviet Union acquired an AIM-7 in 1968 and a [[Vympel PTO|Vympel]] team started copying it as the '''K-25'''. The missile did not enter production as the [[R-23 (missile)|R-23]] was thought to have better versatility, range, signal processing logic, and immunity to interference. K-25 work ended in 1971, but analysis of the Sparrow was later used to inform the design of the [[R-27 (air-to-air missile)|Vympel R-27]], particularly the servomechanisms and movable wings.<ref>{{cite web|title=AA-7 APEX|website=FAS|url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/aa-7.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828044210/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/aa-7.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 August 2016|date=21 March 1999|access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref>


===UK===
===UK===
{{main|Skyflash}}
{{Main|Skyflash}}
[[File:EAP Leaving Loughborough 7.jpg|thumb|The Skyflash looked identical to the Sparrow from the outside, but housed a greatly improved seeker and upgraded motor.]]
[[British Aerospace]] (BAe) licensed the AIM-7E2 technology in the 1970s, producing the '''Skyflash''' missile. Skyflash used a Marconi XJ521 monopulse Semi-Active seeker together with improvements to the electronics. It was powered by the Aerojet Mk52 mod 2 rocket engine (later by the Rocketdyne Mk38 mod 4). Skyflash entered service with the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) on their Phantom F3 in 1976, and later on the [[RAF Tornado F3]] ADV. The Skyflash was also exported to [[Sweden]] for use on their [[Viggen]] fighters.


[[British Aerospace]] (BAe) licensed the AIM-7E2 technology in the 1970s, producing the '''Skyflash''' missile. Skyflash used a Marconi XJ521 monopulse seeker together with improvements to the electronics. It was powered by the Aerojet Mk52 mod 2 rocket engine (later by the Rocketdyne Mk38 mod 4). Skyflash entered service with the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) on their [[F-4 Phantom II|Phantom FG.1/FGR.2]] in 1978, and later on the [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Tornado F3]]. Skyflash was also exported to Sweden for use on their [[Saab 37 Viggen|Viggen]] fighters.
An upgraded version with active radar seeker, called '''Active Sky Flash''' was proposed by BAe and [[Thomson-CSF]], but did not receive funding because the RAF opted for other missiles. [http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/skyflash.htm]


An upgraded version with active radar seeker, called '''Active Sky Flash''', was proposed by BAe and [[Thomson-CSF]], but did not receive funding because the RAF opted for other missiles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skyflash |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/skyflash.htm |website=FAS |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313033117/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/skyflash.htm |archive-date=13 March 2007 |date=21 March 1999}}</ref>
==Description==

==Design==
The Sparrow has four major sections: guidance section, [[warhead]], control, and rocket motor (currently the Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor). It has a cylindrical body with four wings at mid-body and four tail fins. Although the external dimensions of the Sparrow remained relatively unchanged from model to model, the internal components of newer missiles represent major improvements, with vastly increased capabilities. The warhead is of the [[continuous-rod warhead|continuous-rod]] type.
The Sparrow has four major sections: guidance section, [[warhead]], control, and rocket motor (currently the Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor). It has a cylindrical body with four wings at mid-body and four tail fins. Although the external dimensions of the Sparrow remained relatively unchanged from model to model, the internal components of newer missiles represent major improvements, with vastly increased capabilities. The warhead is of the [[continuous-rod warhead|continuous-rod]] type.


As with other semi-active radar guided missiles, the missile does not generate radar signals, but instead homes in on reflected continuous-wave signals from the launch platform's radar. The receiver also senses the guidance radar to enable comparisons that enhance the missile's resistance to passive jamming.
As with other semi-active radar guided missiles, the missile does not generate radar signals, but instead homes in on reflected continuous-wave signals from the launch platform's radar. The receiver also senses the guidance radar to enable comparisons that enhance the missile's resistance to passive jamming.


==Principle of guidance (semi-active version)==
==Principle of guidance ==
The launching aircraft will illuminate the target with its radar. In radars of the 1950's these were single target tracking devices using a nutating horn as part of its antenna. This caused the beam to be swept in a small cone. Signal processing would be applied to determine the direction of maximum illumination and so develop a signal to steer the antenna toward the target. The missile detects the reflected signal from the target with a high gain antenna in a similar fashion and steers the entire missile toward closure with the target. The missile guidance also samples a portion of the illuminating signal via rearward pointing [[waveguide]]s. The comparison of these two signals enabled logic circuits to determine the true target reflection signal, even if the target were to eject radar-reflecting [[chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]].


[[File:Test Set, Computer, AN APM-282.jpg|thumb|Close-up of an AN/APM-282 test set computer, for testing AIM-7 missile guidance]]
==Specifications (AIM-7M)==
The launching aircraft illuminates the target with its radar. In 1950s radars, these were single-target tracking devices using a [[Nutation|nutating]] horn as part of the antenna, thereby sweeping the beam in a small cone. Signal processing is applied to determine the direction of maximum illumination, thereby developing a signal to steer the antenna toward the target. The missile detects the reflected signal from the target with a high-gain antenna in a similar fashion and steers the entire missile toward closure with the target. The missile guidance also samples a portion of the illuminating signal via rearward-pointing [[waveguide]]s. The comparison of these two signals enabled logic circuits to determine the true target reflection signal, even if the target were to eject radar-reflecting [[chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]].
* '''Length''': 12 ft (3600 mm)
* '''Diameter''': 8 in (203 mm)
* '''Wingspan''': 2 ft 8 in (813 mm)
* '''Launch weight''': 510 lb (231 kg)
* '''Speed''': Mach 4
* '''Range''': 44 mi (70 km)
* '''Guidance''': semi-active radar homing
* '''Warhead''': 88 lb (40 kg) blast fragmentation


==Operators==
==Specifications (RIM-7M/P Sea Sparrow)==
[[File:AIM-7 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with AIM-7 operators in blue]]
* '''Length''': 12 ft (3640 mm)
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* '''Diameter''': 8 in (203 mm)
*{{flag|Australia}}
* '''Wingspan''': 3 ft 4 in (1030 mm)
*{{flag|Canada}}
* '''Launch weight''': 510 lb (231 kg)
*{{flag|Egypt}}
* '''Speed''': greater than 2,660 mph (4,256 km/h) (Mach 4)
*{{flag|Greece}}
* '''Range''': 10 nautical miles (19 km)
*{{flag|Iraq}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dubois |first1=Gaston |title=Los F-16 iraquíes vuelven a desarrollar misiones de combate |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2020/11/los-f-16-iraquies-vuelven-a-desarrollar-misiones-de-combate/ |website=Aviacionline |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=19 November 2020}}</ref>
* '''Guidance''': semi-active radar homing
*{{flag|Iran}}
* '''Warhead''': 88 lb (40 kg) blast fragmentation
*{{flag|Israel}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rogoway |first1=Tyler |title=Israeli F-15s Were Armed With Old Missiles During B-52 Escort |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39648/israeli-f-15s-were-armed-with-old-missiles-during-b-52-escort |website=The Drive |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=8 March 2021}}</ref>
*{{flag|Italy}}
*{{flag|Japan}}
*{{flag|Jordan}}
*{{flag|Kuwait}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7 |page=IV}}</ref>
*{{flag|Malaysia}}
*{{flag|Pakistan}}
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leone |first1=Dario |title=The strange case of the first kills scored by RSAF (or USAF?) F-15 pilots |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/the-strange-case-of-the-first-kills-scored-by-rsaf-or-usaf-f-15-pilots/ |website=The Aviation Geek Club |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=5 June 2021}}</ref>
*{{flag|Singapore}}
*{{flag|South Korea}}
*{{flag|Spain}}
*{{Flag|Sweden}}
*{{flag|Republic of China}}
*{{flag|Turkey}}
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}
*{{flag|United States}}
*{{Flag|Ukraine}}{{div col end}}


== See also ==
==See also==
{{portalpar|Military of the United States|Naval Jack of the United States.svg|65}}
{{Commons|AIM-7 Sparrow}}
{{Commons|RIM-7 Sea Sparrow}}
* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-54 Phoenix]]
* [[List of missiles]]
* [[List of missiles]]
* [[Missile designation]]
* [[1963 United States Tri-Service rocket and guided missile designation system]]
{{aircontent
|related=
* {{lwc|RIM-7 Sea Sparrow}}
* {{lwc|RIM-162 ESSM}}
* {{lwc|AGM-45 Shrike}}
* {{lwc|Brazo}}
* {{lwc|Sparoair}}
* {{lwc|Skyflash}}, derivative of the AIM-7
* {{lwc|Aspide}}, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile that uses the AIM-7 airframe
}}
===Comparable Missiles===
* {{lwc|R-27 (air-to-air missile)|R-27}}
* {{lwc|Super 530}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}


==References==
==References==
===Footnotes===
* Michel, Marshall L. (2004). ''Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972'', Naval Institute Press, ISBN 1557505853
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==

*[http://www.avroarrow.org/Cancellation.htm]
===Bibliography===
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/aim-7.htm GlobalSecurity.org]
* {{Cite book|last=Bonds |first= Ray and David Miller |title= Illustrated Directory of Modern American Weapons |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=cfpBbuIlfV0C|chapter= AIM-7 Sparrow |publisher=Zenith Imprint|isbn=978-0-7603-1346-6|date= 2002}}
*[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html Designation-Systems.Net]
* McCarthy Jr., Donald J. ''MiG Killers, A Chronology of U.S. Air Victories in Vietnam 1965-1973.'' 2009; Specialty Press, USA. {{ISBN|978-1-58007-136-9}}.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xISpZYajveA YouTube]: [[F-15 Eagle|F-15A]]s fires live fire Sparrows at [[F-4 Phantom II|QF-4]]s.
* {{cite book| author = Michel (III), Marshall L.| title = Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam, 1965–1972| year = 1997| publisher = US Naval Institute Press| isbn = 978-1-55750-585-9 }}


==External links==
{{airlistbox}}
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.avroarrow.org/Cancellation.htm Aero Arrow Recovery Canada]
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-7.html Designation-Systems.Net]


{{USN early SAMs}}
[[Category:American Cold War air-to-air missiles|AIM-007]]
{{USN missiles}}
[[Category:Naval surface-to-air missiles of the United States|AIM-007]]
{{USAF missiles}}
{{US missiles}}
{{USAF system codes}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}


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[[Category:Cold War air-to-air missiles of the United States|AIM-7]]
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[[Category:Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles]]
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[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1950s]]
[[ko:AIM-7 스패로우]]
[[Category:Raytheon Company products]]
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Latest revision as of 12:05, 29 November 2024

"AIM7" and "Sparrow missile" redirect here. For the AIM7 benchmark, see AIM Multiuser Benchmark. For the Israeli target missile, see Sparrow (target missile).
AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-7 Sparrow at Hill Air Force Base Museum.
TypeMedium-range, semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1958–present
Used byAustralia, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States
WarsVietnam War
Gulf War
Production history
ManufacturerRaytheon
Unit cost$125,000
ProducedAIM-7D: 1959
AIM-7F: 1976
AIM-7M: 1982
No. built>70,000[1]
VariantsSparrow I: AIM-7A
Sparrow II: AIM-7B
Sparrow III: AIM-7C, AIM-7D, AIM-7E, AIM-7E2/Skyflash/Aspide, AIM-7F, AIM-7M, AIM-7P, RIM-7M, AGM-45[2]
Specifications
Mass510 lb (230 kg)
Length12 ft (3.7 m)
Diameter8 in (200 mm)
Wingspan2 ft 8 in (0.81 m) (AIM-7A/B)
WarheadHigh explosive blast-fragmentation
AIM-7F/M: 88 pounds (40 kg)
EngineAIM-7A/B/C – Aerojet 1.8KS7800 solid rocket
AIM-7D/E – Rocketdyne MK 38/MK 52 solid rocket
AIM-7F/M/P – Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor[3]
Operational
range
AIM-7C: 26 kilometres (14 nmi)
AIM-7D: 44 kilometres (24 nmi)
AIM-7E/E2: 50 kilometres (27 nmi)
AIM-7F/M/P: 70 kilometres (38 nmi)[4][3]
Maximum speed AIM-7A/B: Mach 2.5
AIM-7C/E/F: Mach 4[5]
Guidance
system
semi-active radar homing
Launch
platform
Aircraft:

The AIM-7 Sparrow (Air Intercept Missile[6]) is an American medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and various other air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile from the late 1950s until the 1990s. It remains in service, although it is being phased out in aviation applications in favor of the more advanced AIM-120 AMRAAM.[7]

The early Sparrow was intended primarily for use against larger targets, especially bombers, and had numerous operational limitations in other uses. Against smaller targets, the need to receive a strong reflected radar signal made it difficult to achieve lock-on at the missile's effective range. As the launching aircraft's own radar needed to be pointed at the target throughout the engagement, this meant that in fighter-vs-fighter combat the enemy fighter would often approach within the range of shorter-range infrared homing missiles while the launching aircraft had to continue flying towards its target. Additionally, early models were only effective against targets at roughly the same or higher altitudes, below which reflections from the ground became a problem.

A number of upgraded Sparrow designs were developed to address these issues. In the early 1970s, the RAF developed the Skyflash version with an inverse monopulse seeker[citation needed] and improved motor, while the Italian Air Force introduced the similar Aspide. Both could be fired at targets below the launching fighter ("look-down, shoot-down"), were more resistant to countermeasures, and were much more accurate in the terminal phase. This basic concept then became part of the US Sparrows in the M model (for monopulse) and some of these were later updated as the P model, the last to be produced in the US. Aspides sold to China resulted in the locally produced PL-11. The Japan Self-Defense Forces also employ the Sparrow missile, though it is being phased out and replaced by the Mitsubishi AAM-4.

The Sparrow was also used as the basis for a surface-to-air missile, the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, used by a number of navies for air defense. Fired at low altitude and flying directly at its target, though, the range of the missile in this role is greatly reduced because of the higher air density of the lower atmosphere. With the retirement of the Sparrow in the air-to-air role, a new version of the Sea Sparrow was produced to address this concern, producing the larger and more capable RIM-162 ESSM.

Development

[edit]

Sparrow I

[edit]
Sparrow I's during tests on a Douglas F3D Skyknight in the early 1950s

The Sparrow emerged from a late-1940s United States Navy program to develop a guided rocket weapon for air-to-air use. In 1947 the Navy contracted Sperry to build a beam-riding version of a standard 5-inch (127 mm) HVAR, the standard unguided aerial rocket, under Project Hotshot. The weapon was initially dubbed KAS-1, then AAM-2, and — from 1948 on — AAM-N-2. The airframe was developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The diameter of the HVAR proved to be inadequate for the electronics, leading Douglas to expand the missile's airframe to 8-inch (203 mm) diameter. The prototype weapon began unpowered flight tests in 1947, and made its first aerial interception in 1952.[5]

After a protracted development cycle the initial AAM-N-2 Sparrow entered limited operational service in 1954 with specially modified Douglas F3D Skyknight all-weather carrier night fighters.[8] In 1956, they were joined by the McDonnell F3H-2M Demon and Vought F7U Cutlass fighter aircraft. Compared to the modern versions, the Sparrow I was more streamlined and featured a bullet-shaped airframe with a long pointed nose.

Sparrow I was a limited and rather primitive weapon. The limitations of beam-riding guidance (which was slaved to an optical sight on single-seater fighters and to radar on night fighters) restricted the missile to attacks against targets flying a straight course and made it essentially useless against a maneuvering target. Only about 2,000 rounds were produced to this standard.

Sparrow II

[edit]
Sparrow 2 Missile

As early as 1950, Douglas examined equipping the Sparrow with an active radar seeker, initially known as XAAM-N-2a Sparrow II, the original retroactively becoming Sparrow I. In 1952, it was given the new code AAM-N-3. The active radar made the Sparrow II a "fire and forget" weapon, allowing several to be fired at separate targets at the same time.

By 1955, Douglas proposed going ahead with development, intending it to be the primary weapon for the F5D Skylancer interceptor. It was later selected, with some controversy, to be the primary weapon for the Canadian Avro Arrow supersonic interceptor, along with the new Astra fire-control system. For Canadian use and as a second source for US missiles, Canadair was selected to build the missiles in Quebec.

The small size of the missile forebody and the K-band AN/APQ-64-radar limited performance, and it was never able to work in testing. After considerable development and test firings in the U.S. and Canada, Douglas abandoned development in 1956. Canadair continued development until the Arrow was cancelled in 1959.

Sparrow X

[edit]

A subvariant of the Sparrow I armed with the same nuclear warhead as the MB-1 Genie was proposed in 1958 but was cancelled shortly thereafter.

Sparrow III

[edit]
F3H Demon launching a Sparrow III in 1958

Concurrently with the development of the Sparrow I, in 1951 Raytheon began work on a semi-active radar-homing version, the AAM-N-6 Sparrow III. The first of these weapons entered United States Navy service in 1958.

The AAM-N-6a was similar to the -6, and included changes to the guidance electronics to make it effective at higher closing speeds. It was originally designed to take the Thiokol LR44-RM-2 liquid-fuel rocket motor, but the decision was made to retain the solid fuel rocket motor.[9][10] The -6a was also selected to arm the Air Force's F-110A Spectre (F-4 Phantom) fighters in 1962, known to them as the AIM-101. It entered production in 1959, with 7500 being built.

With an improved Rocketdyne solid-fuel motor, the AAM-N-6b started production in 1963. The new motor significantly increased the maximum range to 35 kilometres (22 mi) for head-on attacks. This new missile also improved tail-on performance, with the AAM-N-6a being capable of firing on only targets with 300 ft/sec closing velocity, and AAM-N-6b being capable of firing on targets with a 300 knot opening velocity (-300 knot closing velocity or higher).[11]

During this year the Air Force and Navy agreed on standardized naming conventions for their missiles. The Sparrows became the AIM-7 series. The original Sparrow I and aborted Sparrow II became the AIM-7A and AIM-7B, despite both being out of service. The -6, -6a, and -6b became the AIM-7C, AIM-7D, and AIM-7E respectively.

25,000 AIM-7Es were produced and saw extensive use during the Vietnam War, where its performance was considered disappointing. The mixed results were a combination of reliability problems (exacerbated by the tropical climate), limited pilot training in fighter-to-fighter combat, and restrictive rules of engagement that generally prohibited BVR (beyond visual range) engagements. The Pk (kill probability) of the AIM-7E was less than 10%; US fighter pilots shot down 59[Note 1] aircraft out of the 612 Sparrows fired.[12] Of the 612 AIM-7D/E/E-2 missiles fired, 97 (or 15.8%) hit their targets, resulting in 56 (or 9.2%) kills. Two kills were obtained beyond visual range.[13]

In 1969, an improved version, the E-2, was introduced with clipped wings and various changes to the fuzing. Considered a "dogfight Sparrow", the AIM-7E-2 was intended to be used at shorter ranges where the missile was still travelling at high speeds, and in the head-on aspect, making it much more useful in the visual limitations imposed on the engagements. Even so, its kill rate was only 13% in combat, leading to a practice of ripple-firing all four at once in hopes of increasing kill probability. Its worst tendency was to detonate prematurely about 1,000 feet ahead of the launching aircraft, but it also had many motor failures, erratic flights, and fuzing problems. An E-3 version included additional changes to the fuzing, and the E-4 featured a modified seeker for use with the F-14 Tomcat.

Vietnam War (1965–1973) records

[edit]
United States Air Force AIM-7 aerial combat kills[14]
Missile firing aircraft Model Aircraft shot down Comments
F-4C Phantom II AIM-7D 1 MiG-17 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS)
F-4C AIM-7E 3 MiG-17s,
10 MiG-21s 		389th TFS, 433rd TFS, 480th TFS, 555th TFS
F-4D AIM-7E 4 MiG-17s,
2 MiG-21s 		433rd TFS, 435th TFS, 555th TFS
F-4D AIM-7E-2 18 MiG-21s,
3 MiG-19s 		4th TFS, 13th TFS, 34th TFS, 523rd TFS, 555th TFS
F-4E AIM-7E-2 8 MiG-21s,
1 MiG-19 		4th TFS, 35th TFS, 58th TFS, 366th TFS, 555th TFS
United States Navy AIM-7 aerial combat kills[14]
Missile firing aircraft Model Aircraft shot down Comments
F-4B Phantom II AIM-7D 4 MiG-17s (includes 2 probables) US fighters launched from USS Ranger, USS Midway, USS Coral Sea
F-4B AIM-7E 2 An-2 (Antonov Biplanes),
2 MiG-21s, 1 MiG-17 		US fighters launched from USS Constellation and USS Enterprise
F-4J AIM-7E-2 1 MiG-21 US fighters launched from USS Saratoga
Kill count summary
Category USAF USN Combined
An-2s — 2 2
MiG-17s 8 5 13
MiG-19s 4 — 4
MiG-21s 38 3 41
Total 50 10 60

Post Vietnam

[edit]

Improved versions of the AIM-7 were developed in the 1970s in an attempt to address the weapon's limitations. The AIM-7F, which entered service in 1976, had a dual-stage rocket motor for longer range, solid-state electronics for greatly improved reliability, and a larger warhead. Even this version had room for improvement, leading British Aerospace and the Italian firm Alenia to develop advanced versions of Sparrow with better performance and improved electronics as the BAe Skyflash and Alenia Aspide, respectively.

The most common version of the Sparrow today, the AIM-7M, entered service in 1982 and featured a new inverse monopulse seeker (matching the capabilities of Skyflash), active radar proximity fuse, digital controls, improved ECM resistance, and better low-altitude performance. It was used to good advantage in the 1991 Gulf War, where it scored many USAF air-to-air kills. Of 44 missiles fired, 30 (68.2%) hit their intended targets resulting in 24/26 (54.5%/59.1%) kills. 19 kills were obtained beyond visual range.[15]

The AIM-7P is similar in most ways to the M versions, and was primarily an upgrade for existing M-series missiles. Changes were mainly to the software, improving low-level performance. A follow-on Block II upgrade added a new rear receiver allowing the missile to receive mid-course correction from the launching aircraft.[citation needed] Plans initially called for all M versions to be upgraded, but currently P's are being issued as required to replace M's lost or removed from the inventory.[citation needed]

The final version of the missile was to have been the AIM-7R, which added an infrared homing seeker to an otherwise unchanged AIM-7P Block II. A general wind-down of the budget led to it being cancelled in 1997.[citation needed]

The U.S. Navy planned to operate the missile through 2018.[16]

The Sparrow is now being phased out with the availability of the active-radar AIM-120 AMRAAM, but is likely to remain in service for several years.[when?][citation needed]

Variants

[edit]
AIM-7 variants[17]
AAM-N-2 (AIM-7A) AAM-N-3 (AIM-7B) AIM-7C AIM-7E AIM-7F AIM-7M/P RIM-7M/P
Length 3.74 m (147.3 in) 3.85 m (151.7 in) 3.66 m (144 in)
Wingspan 0.94 m (37 in) 1.02 m (40 in)
Finspan 0.88 m (34.8 in) ? 0.81 m (32 in) 0.62 m (24.3 in)
Diameter 0.203 m (8 in)
Weight 143 kg (315 lb) 176 kg (389 lb) 172 kg (380 lb) 197 kg (435 lb) 231 kg (510 lb)
Speed Mach 2.5 Mach 4
Range 10 km (5.4 nm) 7 km (4 nm) 11 km (6 nm) 30 km (16 nm) 70 km (38 nm) 26 km (14 nm)
Propulsion Aerojet 1.8KS7800 solid rocket Rocketdyne MK 38/MK 52
solid rocket 		Hercules MK 58 dual-thrust solid rocket
Warhead 20 kg (45 lb) 30 kg (65 lb) MK 38 continuous rod 39 kg (86 lb) MK 71
continuous rod 		40 kg (88 lb) WDU-27/B
blast-fragmentation
  • An Australian F-18A Hornet fires an AIM-7 Sparrow missile.
    An Australian F-18A Hornet fires an AIM-7 Sparrow missile.
  • AIM-7Es being loaded on a Hawaii ANG F-4C in 1980
    AIM-7Es being loaded on a Hawaii ANG F-4C in 1980
  • AIM-7Ms on a 37th TFW F-4G in 1988
    AIM-7Ms on a 37th TFW F-4G in 1988
  • Wings being installed on an AIM-7
    Wings being installed on an AIM-7
  • An AIM-7M being loaded
    An AIM-7M being loaded
  • A USAF F-15C fires an AIM-7 Sparrow.
    A USAF F-15C fires an AIM-7 Sparrow.

Foreign versions

[edit]

Canada

[edit]
A Sparrow II is tested at a Canadair facility. Note the RCAF roundels painted on the fins.

As part of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow program, Canadair (now Bombardier) partnered with Douglas Aircraft Company in the development of the Sparrow II (AAM-N-3/AIM-7B). After Douglas dropped out of this program, Canadair continued on with it until the termination of the Arrow project.

The AAM-N-3 Sparrow II was unique in that it had a fully active radar guidance system.[1] This combined both a radar transmitter and receiver in the missile, making it unnecessary for the pilot to keep the aircraft aimed at the target after firing the missile,[18] unlike Semi-active radar homing (SARH) missiles which require continuous radar-assisted guidance throughout flight. This allowed the aircraft that fired the AAM-N-3 to turn away, prosecute other targets, and/or escape from potential retaliatory missiles fired by the enemy aircraft during the time it took for the Sparrow to reach its target. Despite the significant advantages of this design over SARH guidance, all subsequent models of the Sparrow use semi-active radar homing.

To accommodate the active radar guidance system, the AAM-N-3 Sparrow II had a much greater volume than its predecessor. Its size would subsequently set the precedent for all future Sparrow variants.[1]

In 1959, Canadair had completed five missiles based on airframes from Douglas, and built two models from scratch, when the program was cancelled with the cancellation of the Arrow.[18]

Italy

[edit]
Main article: Aspide
The Aspide was more heavily modified than other Sparrow derivatives like Skyflash, including a new motor, new guidance system and changes to the control surfaces.

The Italian company Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.), Alenia Difesa licensed the AIM-7E Sparrow technology from the US, and produced its own version. Later in the 1980s, Alenia started to produce an improved version of the AIM-7 called the Aspide. Compared to the AIM-7E, it received an improved new monopulse guidance system that allowed for a better hit ratio and easier targeting of enemies at low altitude with ground-clutter confusion. It also received a new and more powerful engine and new control surfaces. These control surfaces were each independent of the others, giving the missile greatly improved maneuverability over the AIM-7E and the English Skyflash that still used dependent control surfaces.[19]

People's Republic of China

[edit]
Main article: PL-11 (missile)

The PL-11 and HQ-6 are a family of Chinese missiles developed by the Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, largely based on the Italian Aspide version of the Sparrow missile.[20][21]

Soviet Union

[edit]

The Soviet Union acquired an AIM-7 in 1968 and a Vympel team started copying it as the K-25. The missile did not enter production as the R-23 was thought to have better versatility, range, signal processing logic, and immunity to interference. K-25 work ended in 1971, but analysis of the Sparrow was later used to inform the design of the Vympel R-27, particularly the servomechanisms and movable wings.[22]

UK

[edit]
Main article: Skyflash
The Skyflash looked identical to the Sparrow from the outside, but housed a greatly improved seeker and upgraded motor.

British Aerospace (BAe) licensed the AIM-7E2 technology in the 1970s, producing the Skyflash missile. Skyflash used a Marconi XJ521 monopulse seeker together with improvements to the electronics. It was powered by the Aerojet Mk52 mod 2 rocket engine (later by the Rocketdyne Mk38 mod 4). Skyflash entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on their Phantom FG.1/FGR.2 in 1978, and later on the Tornado F3. Skyflash was also exported to Sweden for use on their Viggen fighters.

An upgraded version with active radar seeker, called Active Sky Flash, was proposed by BAe and Thomson-CSF, but did not receive funding because the RAF opted for other missiles.[23]

Design

[edit]

The Sparrow has four major sections: guidance section, warhead, control, and rocket motor (currently the Hercules MK-58 solid-propellant rocket motor). It has a cylindrical body with four wings at mid-body and four tail fins. Although the external dimensions of the Sparrow remained relatively unchanged from model to model, the internal components of newer missiles represent major improvements, with vastly increased capabilities. The warhead is of the continuous-rod type.

As with other semi-active radar guided missiles, the missile does not generate radar signals, but instead homes in on reflected continuous-wave signals from the launch platform's radar. The receiver also senses the guidance radar to enable comparisons that enhance the missile's resistance to passive jamming.

Principle of guidance

[edit]
Close-up of an AN/APM-282 test set computer, for testing AIM-7 missile guidance

The launching aircraft illuminates the target with its radar. In 1950s radars, these were single-target tracking devices using a nutating horn as part of the antenna, thereby sweeping the beam in a small cone. Signal processing is applied to determine the direction of maximum illumination, thereby developing a signal to steer the antenna toward the target. The missile detects the reflected signal from the target with a high-gain antenna in a similar fashion and steers the entire missile toward closure with the target. The missile guidance also samples a portion of the illuminating signal via rearward-pointing waveguides. The comparison of these two signals enabled logic circuits to determine the true target reflection signal, even if the target were to eject radar-reflecting chaff.

Operators

[edit]
Map with AIM-7 operators in blue

See also

[edit]

Related development

Comparable Missiles

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Figure includes probables and bi-planes, which some sources exclude

References

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Forecast International: Intelligence Center". www.forecastinternational.com.
  2. ^ "[9.0] Anti-Radar Missiles". Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Raytheon AIM/RIM-7 Sparrow". www.designation-systems.net. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2006.
  4. ^ "AIM-7F Sparrow III - Standard Missile Characteristics" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 October 2011.
  5. ^ a b Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles: Raytheon AIM-7/RIM-7 Sparrow Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Designation Systems.
  6. ^ "Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-7 Sparrow". navair.navy.mil. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  7. ^ "AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)" (PDF).
  8. ^ Guided Missiles Ride Navy Jet. Hearst Magazines. November 1954. p. 116.
  9. ^ Pfeiffer, Mary (January 1962). "Liquid Rockets" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. Washington D.C.: Chief of Naval Operations and Bureau of Naval Weapons. p. 13. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  10. ^ Davies, Harold (2007). "Reaction Motors (Thiokol) Family of Packaged Liquid Rocket Engines". Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (6): 1271–1284. doi:10.2514/1.30134. ISSN 0022-4650.
  11. ^ AIR-TO-AIR ENCOUNTERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (PDF) (Report). Vol. IV. April 1968. p. 151. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  12. ^ Michel III p. 286, 287
  13. ^ "Barry D. Watts: Six Decades of Guided Munitions, Precision Strike Association, 25 January 2006, p. 5" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  14. ^ a b McCarthy Jr., p. 148-157
  15. ^ "Barry D. Watts: Six Decades of Guided Munitions, Precision Strike Association, 25 January 2006, p. 7" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  16. ^ "Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-7 Sparrow". NAVAIR. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  17. ^ "Raytheon AIM/RIM-7 Sparrow". www.designation-systems.net. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  18. ^ a b "1959missiles – canadair50otherproducts". sites.google.com. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  19. ^ "Aerei Militari - Selenia Aspide".
  20. ^ "LY-60 / PL-10". FAS.org. Archived from the original on 9 April 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  21. ^ Barrie, Douglas (27 November 1996). "Chinese AAM aspirations may build on Alenia Aspide". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  22. ^ "AA-7 APEX". FAS. 21 March 1999. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  23. ^ "Skyflash". FAS. 21 March 1999. Archived from the original on 13 March 2007. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  24. ^ Dubois, Gaston (19 November 2020). "Los F-16 iraquíes vuelven a desarrollar misiones de combate". Aviacionline. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  25. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (8 March 2021). "Israeli F-15s Were Armed With Old Missiles During B-52 Escort". The Drive. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  26. ^ Cooper, Tom (2018). Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017. Warwick, UK: Helion & Company Publishing. p. IV. ISBN 978-1-911628-18-7.
  27. ^ Leone, Dario (5 June 2021). "The strange case of the first kills scored by RSAF (or USAF?) F-15 pilots". The Aviation Geek Club. Retrieved 19 February 2022.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bonds, Ray and David Miller (2002). "AIM-7 Sparrow". Illustrated Directory of Modern American Weapons. Zenith Imprint. ISBN 978-0-7603-1346-6.
  • McCarthy Jr., Donald J. MiG Killers, A Chronology of U.S. Air Victories in Vietnam 1965-1973. 2009; Specialty Press, USA. ISBN 978-1-58007-136-9.
  • Michel (III), Marshall L. (1997). Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam, 1965–1972. US Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-55750-585-9.
[edit]
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