Raytheon continues support for Evolved SeaSparrow
Six-month contract modification includes work for US and allied militaries
In-service support and technical engineering services for the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) will be provided by OEM Raytheon, under a new $17.76 million contract modification announced by the DoD on 14 December.
The six-month modification combines purchases for the US military, NATO Sea Sparrow consortium members, non-FMS customers and Japan (under the FMS programme).
The RIM-162 ESSM first came into service in 2004. Shephard Defence Insight notes that the missile is fitted with a 39kg blast fragmentation warhead, a mid-course update data link, a Mk 143 Mod 0 solid fuel rocket motor, and a semi-active radar homing system or a dual semi-active/active radar homing system.
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