Evolved SeaSparrow Missile

Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Under cooperative development by HMSC and a 10-member NATO consortium of world-class companies, the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) is a kinematics upgrade to the highly successful SeaSparrow missile. The ESSM design retains SeaSparrow's radar guidance and warhead, but includes a new rocket motor and a tail-controlled airframe. These additions improve ESSM's speed, maneuverability and range, strengthening the missile's ability to counter attacks by enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles. Because the international design team is incorporating diverse performance requirements during product development, ESSM will successfully operate with the NSSMS MK 91, the Dutch Cluster IV configuration, the Anzac, and Aegis weapon systems. This Integrated Product Development (IPD) approach will enable ESSM's successful deployment among the consortium's navies. The international industrial team members participating with Hughes are: Australia British Aerospace Australia Defence Canada AlliedSignal Aerospace Canada Germany RAM-System GmbH (with BGT, Diehl, DASA/LFK) Spain Enosa Norway Raufoss Technology A/S Denmark Per Udsen Company, TERMA The Netherlands Hollandse Signaalapparaten Turkey Roketsan Greece ELFON, ECON, Hellenic Aerospace Industries, INTRACOM USA Alliant Techsystems, United Defense L.P. Back to Development Programs Return to HMSC main page