RIM-162 ESSM
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Essentially a new generation of ship-launched short-to-medium rance surface-to-air missile]], the RIM-162 ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile) has a general family resemblance to the RIM-7 Sparrow]], which, in turn, derived from the AIM-7 Sparrow]], an early beyond visual range]] air-to-air missile]]. The is the only ESSM guided missile]] remaining in the United States Navy]] is the RIM-162A, four of which fit into each cell of the Mark 41 vertical launch system]]. B through D models were configured for launchers and radar no longer in active U.S. service. Other models, however, are used in NATO]] and other allied navies. The ESSM started deployment in 2004. In a layered U.S. anti-air warfare]] system, the RIM-156 Standard SM-2]] is the long-range weapon, with one per VLS cell, which can engage targets at least 130 nm/240 km away. ESSM, with a range of 27+ nm/50+ km, forms the next band. For final defense, there is the 9 km (5 nm) RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]]. General characteristics
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