Description:
The AIM-7 Sparrow is a medium-range, semi-active, air-to-air missile designed to counter high-performance aircraft. The Sparrow missile was deployed in 1953 and has been acquired by many air forces of the world. The Sparrow missile has an annular blast fragmentation warhead in excess of 40 kilograms. Currently, The high-performance AIM-120 missile is replacing the Sparrow missile in the role of medium range, air-to-air missile in the United States and allied nations.
The AIM-7M Sparrow achieved operational status in 1982. It has improved reliability and performance over earlier models at low altitudes and in ECM environments. Its software was also improved.
Specifications Dimensions: Diameter 200 mm, Length 3.7 m, Width 1 m
Weights: Max Weight 227 kg (500 lb), Warhead 40 kg (88 lb)
Performance: Max Range 55,000 m (180,446 ft), Top Speed 1,190 mps (Mach 3.58)
United States of America