Figure 1 - P-8250108

INTERCEPT PROCEDURES TEXTBOOK

Figure 1

Physical Characteristics

Length............................12 feet

Diameter..........................8 inches

Wingspan........................40 inches

Weight.............................510 pounds

Motor Burn Time.............3.5/12.5 secs

Warhead...........................85 pounds

Kill Radius......................40 feet

Turning............................25 g's

Minimum range...............1000 feet

Velocity...........................2.5 Mach

Max. Target Alt...............89,000 feet

Launch time......................1.5 seconds

A. Guidance and Control

Once the fighter has illuminated the target with a radar lock, the Sparrow guides on the

reflected energy of the target using a forward-looking planar-array antenna. The missile receives

guidance information from the fighter's own radar via a rear facing antenna on the end of the

missile. The forward wings are controlled by an open-loop hydraulic system that is pressurized

upon trigger squeeze. Once the hydraulic fluid is used, it is vented out of the missile. When the

fluid has been exhausted, the missile can no longer maneuver.

B. Fuse

The AIM-7 has a safe and arm device that delays arming of the missile until it has traveled a

safe distance in front of the launch aircraft. The Sparrow has both a contact fuse and a proximity

fuse, which will detonate the missile at the closest point of approach to the target.

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