The US Navy is about to receive a new launcher for the RIM-162 ESSM missiles. The developer is
What is known
American defense contractor will developnext-generation deck launcher Evolved SeaSparrow (NGELS). The company received a contract worth approximately $37 million from the US Department of Defense.
Evolved SeaSparrow (NGELS) will operateUS Navy and Allied Navy. The installation is intended for launching RIM-162 ESSM missiles. Currently, vertical launch systems Mk 41/48/56/57 and container launchers Mk 29 are used for this.
RIM-162 ESSM is developed by RTX.The medium-range ship-to-air missile was an evolution of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. It is equipped with a semi-active radar homing head.
RIM-162 ESSM can shoot down targets at rangeover 50 km and is capable of reaching speeds of more than Mach 4 (4900 km / h) in flight. In fiscal year 2021, the cost of one anti-aircraft missile was nearly $1.8 million.