NSWC Port Hueneme Tests Latest Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090501-15
Release Date: 5/1/2009 3:30:00 PM
From Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Command Communications
PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme engineers successfully fired a test launch of the new production configuration of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) April 24 from the U.S. Navy's self defense test ship in Port Hueneme, Calif.
"These ESSM modifications increase both guidance performance and hardware reliability for our fleet and our NATO consortium partners," said Mike Ryan, NSWC Port Hueneme test engineer. "Whenever we increase a missile's guidance performance and reliability, we increase the probability of target kill, thereby helping the warfighter counter threats with more confidence and less ordnance."
The new ESSM configuration includes both hardware and software modifications and was fired from a CVN-class combat system. The ESSM missile achieved a warhead kill against a low-altitude target.
"This ESSM test demonstrated that the changes in the new missile configuration are working together and are integrated with the ship's combat system," said Ryan.
"Successful testing on the test ship allows us to deliver a combat-ready missile to the future fleet."
Testing missile capabilities from the self defense test ship allows NSWC Port Hueneme, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, to produce future technologies that maximize warfighter capabilities, which supports the nation's maritime strategy.
NSWC Port Hueneme is home to the Navy's only test ship asset -- a decommissioned Spruance-class destroyer. The ship provides the Navy with an at-sea, remote-controlled test platform for the purpose of conducting advanced weapons test and evaluation prior to fleet use without risk to personnel.
For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.
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