AIM-7M Sparrow

Description

The AIM-7M Sparrow is an American semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missile. It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators"

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• F-16A ADF
• ▄F-16A ADF
• ␗F-16A MLU
• F-14B

General info

Missile characteristics
Mass	231 kg
Guidance	SARH
Signal	CW
Lock range	40 km
Launch range	100 km
Maximum speed	4.0 M
Maximum overload	25 G
Missile guidance time	75 secs
Explosive mass	15.09 kg TNTeq

Effective damage

Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)

Comparison with analogues

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Usage in battles

The AIM-7M is far superior to its previous generation of missiles (AIM-7E-2, AIM-7E, AIM-7D, etc) mainly due to its range. Unlike the previous generation of Sparrows, the AIM-7M is suited for both low-altitude and but excels at high-altitude targets.

Low-altitude

The AIM-7M can hold its own in low-altitude fighting. Due to the lack of a guidance delay, the AIM-7M can confidently be used in close-range engagements at low-altitude in conjunction with the 25 G overload. For low-altitude targets, players can be daring and launch missiles from ~8 km (4.9 mi), but to have a higher chance of hitting the target, it's better to launch from ~5 km (3.1 mi). Launching from 5 km gives the target less time to go into the notch and evade the Sparrow.

High-altitude

The AIM-7M shines in this aspect. Players can be assured of launching missiles 12+ km out from the target due to the AIM-7Ms long burn time and manoeuvrability. The AIM-7M has the 2nd highest acceleration of any SARH missile, second only to the R-27ER. This allows for very long-range launches at high altitude. In order to achieve a high probability of kill, it's important to stay fast and stay on the target to achieve a clear lock. Staying fast allows the missile to reach a higher speed, increasing the range.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Very maneuverable
• Exceptional range
• No guidance delay, unlike all of its contemporaries
• Very large explosive mass
• Superior to the R-27ER within 1.5 Kilometers

Cons:

• Can be spotted for a very long time due to the motor
• Slower and worse range to the R-27ER

History

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Media

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See also

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• reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
• references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.