Upgrades start on Seasparrow surface-to-air ship defense system

The US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) has started work on the refurbishment and modification of the NATO Seasparrow missile system (NSSMS) platform and MK 132 guided missile launching system.

The surface-to-air ship defense system is being upgraded to support deployment of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2, which employs an active- and semi-active guidance system to meet current and anticipated future threats.

“The effort is in support of ESSM Block 2 integration efforts for the CVN, LHD, and LHA ship classes,” said Electronics Engineer, Son Nguyen. “NSWC PHD is the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) leading testing of a new servo motor, launcher cell extensions, and qualification of ESSM Block 2 loading and operations.”

The project is launched by NSWC PHD in support of the ISEA of the Future, which builds upon key innovation milestones and actions to support the next-generation navy.

“The modification, known as MIN MOD, will include an overhauled launcher that will bring together all of the program elements to prove and verify required changes as well as demonstrate that the change is fleet ready,” said Robert Barrett, NSSMS customer advocate and program manager. “This also provides the ISEA with the latest launcher that is in the fleet, allowing us to better execute our jobs in both fleet support as well as obsolescence management.”

The NATO Seasparrow Project is an international consortium of 12 nations consisting of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United States. The 12 member nations are partners in engineering, development, production and sustainment of the missiles and supporting equipment. NSWC PHD provides advanced technical training to partner allies in support of NSSMS.