{"product_id":"1-48-aim-7e-sparrow-set-of-2","title":"1\/48 AIM-7E Sparrow (Set of 2)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMPM Hobbies 1\/48 Scale AIM-7E Sparrow Air-to-Air Missile (Set of 2)\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd authentic beyond visual range (BVR) capability to your \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/collections\/454375571687\"\u003e1\/48 scale jet aircraft models\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e with this detailed 3D printed AIM-7E Sparrow missile set from MPM Hobbies. As the West's principal medium-range air-to-air missile from the late 1950s until the 1990s, the Sparrow represents a cornerstone of modern air combat—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/8491538645223\"\u003eF-14 Tomcat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, and other fighter aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AIM-7 Sparrow (Air Intercept Missile) holds a distinguished place in modern military aviation as an American medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile that served as the backbone of Western air superiority for over four decades. Operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps, as well as numerous allied air forces and navies worldwide, the Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile from the late 1950s until the 1990s. The AIM-7E variant, introduced in the 1960s, represented a significant improvement over earlier versions with enhanced reliability, better guidance, and improved performance at all altitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eOperational Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AIM-7E Sparrow employs semi-active radar homing guidance, requiring the launching aircraft to continuously illuminate the target with its radar until impact. This \"fire and guide\" approach meant that pilots had to maintain radar lock throughout the missile's flight, limiting their tactical flexibility but providing reliable guidance against maneuvering targets. The AIM-7E featured improved solid-state electronics compared to earlier variants, significantly enhancing reliability and performance. The missile saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where it proved effective in beyond visual range engagements despite the challenging rules of engagement that often required visual identification before firing. The Sparrow remained in frontline service until being gradually replaced by the more advanced AIM-120 AMRAAM in the 1990s, though it continues to serve with some air forces today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScale-Accurate Detail\u003c\/strong\u003e - Precisely scaled 1\/48 representation with authentic proportions including radar seeker, control surfaces, and mounting hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium 3D Printed Resin\u003c\/strong\u003e - High-resolution LCD-based SLA printing captures fine details including panel lines, fin mechanisms, and guidance windows\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorically Accurate\u003c\/strong\u003e - Based on reference photos and technical documentation of actual AIM-7E Sparrow missiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet of 2 Missiles\u003c\/strong\u003e - Complete loadout for realistic air superiority configurations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/strong\u003e - Designed, printed, and quality-controlled by MPM Hobbies in America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e - Suitable for multiple fighter aircraft types that carried the Sparrow system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Aircraft Models\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AIM-7E Sparrow was carried by numerous US and allied fighter aircraft. This missile set is ideal for detailing the following 1\/48 scale aircraft:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/8491538645223\"\u003eF-14 Tomcat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Navy fleet defense interceptor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF-4 Phantom II - Multi-role fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF-15 Eagle - Air superiority fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF\/A-18 Hornet - Multi-role strike fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF-16 Fighting Falcon - Multi-role fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF-106 Delta Dart - Interceptor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e3D Printing Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eItem(s) is\/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and\/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eModeling Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the missile to your aircraft's launcher or pylon before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most AIM-7E Sparrow missiles were finished in overall white or light gray with black or dark gray stenciling and markings. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eComplementary Products at MPM Hobbies\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/collections\/454375571687\"\u003eMPM Aircraft Resins collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Complete range of ordnance, cockpit details, and aircraft upgrades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/collections\/399781822695\"\u003e1\/48 MPM Missiles\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Additional missile options for your aircraft models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/7734884237543\"\u003e1\/48 AIM-9B Sidewinder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Short-range air-to-air missile companion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther AIM-7E Sparrow variants in \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/7744887718119\"\u003e1\/32 scale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/7744894435559\"\u003e1\/72 scale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout MPM Hobbies\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For additional information about the AIM-7 Sparrow missile family, visit \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/AIM-7_Sparrow\"\u003ethe AIM-7 Sparrow Wikipedia page\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e for detailed historical and technical background.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBring Cold War and modern air combat capability to life with the authentic AIM-7E Sparrow missile from \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/\"\u003eMPM Hobbies\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MPM Hobbies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42863861104871,"sku":"0132","price":3.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/7798\/9095\/files\/172-aim-7e-sparrow-set-of-2-mpm-hobbies-1_1024x1024_2x_10b23e82-fdbd-43dd-b682-fe988df3b5b0.jpg?v=1755304317","url":"https:\/\/mpmhobbies.com\/products\/1-48-aim-7e-sparrow-set-of-2","provider":"MPM Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}