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Live firings demonstrate ESSM integration with latest SSDS
By Richard Scott
11 June 2009
Armourers load an Evolved SeaSparrow Missile into one of USS Nimitz's quad launchers. (US Navy)
The US Navy (USN) has completed successful combat system engineering tests of two RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) rounds from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Performed off San Nicholas Island in the Pacific under the direction of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Point Hueneme, the 27 May test events marked the first fleet firings of the latest production configuration ESSM from the new open-architecture variant of a Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk 2 Mod 1B integrated combat management system fitted on board Nimitz .
ESSM is a kinematic upgrade to the RIM-7P NATO SeaSparrow missile, and is designed to extend the system's engagement envelope against faster, lower-flying and more manoeuvrable anti-ship cruise missiles. The complete Mk 57 NATO SeaSparrow Missile System on board Nimitz also comprises a Mk 29 eight-cell trainable launcher and a Mk 91 guided missile fire-control system (providing continuous wave illumination of the target).