Navy Recognition:
The United States Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) released a video showing a successful flight test of the Raytheon Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2, intercepting a BQM-74E aerial target. NAVSEA first mentionned the test on July 5, but the footage was released August 15.
The test was the first ESSM flight test to utilize the new Block 2 active guidance seeker-head. ESSM Block 2 will employ both semi-active and active guidance to meet current and anticipated future threats.
This test followed the successful completion of two Controlled Test Vehicle flight tests in June 2017 and was the first in a series of live fire tests that will lead to the ESSM Block 2 missile entering production.
“This flight test is critical to demonstrating the technology for the ESSM Block 2,” said Capt. Bruce Schuette, project manager for the NATO Seasparrow Project. “I am very proud of the entire NATO Seasparrow Project Team, from our industry partners to our field activities and test facilities, for all the extensive work that went into making this event a success.”
