Anti-ship SeaSparrow passes sea test

TUCSON, May 30 (UPI) -- A recent test showed the U.S. Navy on track to turning its SeaSparrow missile into a defensive weapon against small boats like the one that hit the USS Cole.

Engineers from the Navy and Raytheon launched Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles from two different launchers mounted aboard the Self Defense Test Ship based in Ventura County, Calif.

Raytheon officials in Tucson said in a statement Wednesday that the missiles were launched against a high-speed inflatable boat to demonstrate its capabilities against surface threats. A similar small boat packed with explosives was used in the deadly 2000 attack on the destroyer Cole in Yemen. There are also concerns a fast boat could be armed with a lethal anti-ship missile that could be launched at close range.

The SeaSparrow was originally designed to shoot down airborne threats, including cruise missiles. Adapting it to surface targets is being achieved through a rewrite of the missile's software package.

"With this software-based upgrade, Evolved SeaSparrow Missile can now more effectively counter the threat posed by fast surface craft before their weapons get in range," said Raytheon Vice President Frank Wyatt.

The tests announced Wednesday included the first launches of the Evolved SeaSparrow using the MK 57 MOD 12 fire control system and the MK 29 MOD 4 launcher that is being installed on U.S. aircraft carriers and amphibious landing ships.

Further testing will involve the Self Defense Test Ship, which is a converted destroyer, and a frigate from the Dutch navy, Raytheon said.