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Video: RAN Frigate HMAS Melbourne Firing a RIM-162 ESSM Missile from Mk41 VLS.
| 2015
RAN Video |
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In the mid-1990s, the Australian government commenced SEA 1390, also known
as the FFG Upgrade Project. After the refit, the ships are capable of
firing SM-2MR and RGM-84 Harpoon missiles from the Mark 13 launcher. An
8-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile
has also been installed forward of the Mark 13 launcher. The Phalanx CIWS
was upgraded to Block 1B, and the torpedoes, missiles, and other ship-mounted
weapons were upgraded to the latest versions. Raytheon's ESSM provides critical layered defense by delivering protecting firepower against high-G maneuvering anti-ship cruise missiles, supersonic high-diving threats and low-velocity air threats, as well as surface targets. Recently, ESSM was successfully launched from a ground-based system, demonstrating that the missile's performance over ground matches that over water. Significantly, no software changes were required to prove the ESSM's enhanced capability. |
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