OVERVIEW: The RIM-7H Sea Sparrow is a ship-launched, short-range, semi-active radar-guided surface-to-air missile, adapted from the AIM-7E Sparrow air-to-air missile. It features folding wings for compatibility with the Mk 29 launcher, enhancing naval air defense capabilities.

DETAILS: Introduced in the early 1970s, the RIM-7H is an improved variant of the RIM-7E, designed specifically for shipboard use. The primary enhancement is the incorporation of folding wings and clipped tail fins, allowing the missile to be launched from the compact Mk 29 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS). This adaptation enabled installation on a wider range of naval vessels. The missile retains the semi-active radar homing guidance system of its predecessor, requiring continuous radar illumination from the ship's fire control system during flight. The RIM-7H provided improved maneuverability and reliability over earlier models, serving as a transitional design leading to more advanced Sea Sparrow variants.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Guidance: Semi-active radar homing
Warhead: 39 kg (86 lbs) blast-fragmentation
Accuracy: Dependent on radar lock; limited in look-down/shoot-down scenarios
Length: 3.66 m (12 ft)
Diameter: 0.203 m (8 in)
Wingspan: 1.02 m (40.2 in)
Total Weight: 230 kg (510 lbs)
Platforms: Mk 29 GMLS

Range: Approximately 19 km (10 nmi)
Speed: Mach 2.5
Maneuverability: Up to 18 g in terminal phase

NOTES:
IOC: 1973
Operators: United States, NATO member navies
Combat Use: Deployed for ship self-defense; specific combat engagements are not widely documented
Interesting Fact: The RIM-7H's design modifications for shipboard compatibility paved the way for subsequent Sea Sparrow variants with enhanced capabilities.

SOURCES:
U.S. Navy Fact File; Weaponsystems.net; Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance; en.wikipedia.org