RIM-113 SIRCS

In 1976, the U.S. Navy initiated the SIRCS (Shipboard Intermediate Range Combat System) program to develop a missile defense system against future anti-ship threats, mainly cruise missiles. SIRCS requirements included the capability to defend a large surface ship against 14 simultaneously attacking missiles. Competitive studies of three contractor teams were funded, these being RCA/Martin-Marietta, McDonnell Douglas/Sperry, and Raytheon/Lockheed/Univac. The goal was to develop a missile to replace the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. In May 1976, the designation XRIM-113A was assigned to the SIRCS missile, and the initial studies were completed by 1978. However, funding of RIM-113 missile development was not approved, and the SIRCS program was cancelled by Congress in 1979. The Navy was ordered to develop improved versions of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow instead.

Specifications

The RIM-113 missile program was cancelled before the design and configuration was finalized.

Main Sources

[1] Norman Friedman: "US Naval Weapons", Conway Maritime Press, 1983
[2] "DOD 4120.15-L: Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles", Department of Defense, 1986

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Last Updated: 24 December 2002