Stinger missile

Stinger missile. The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) that uses a passive infrared and ultraviolet seeker to engage low-altitude aircraft. Developed by General Dynamics and now produced by Raytheon Technologies, it entered service with the United States Army in 1981 and has been widely exported to NATO allies and other nations. Its effectiveness, portability, and ease of use have made it one of the most influential infantry anti-aircraft weapons in modern history.

Overview

The system is designed for a single operator or a two-person team to engage targets such as jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It operates on a fire-and-forget principle, allowing the gunner to seek cover immediately after launch. The weapon saw its first major combat use during the Falklands War and gained significant notoriety during the Soviet–Afghan War when supplied to the Mujahideen by the Central Intelligence Agency. Its deployment has since become a common feature in numerous regional conflicts, often shifting the tactical balance against opposing air forces.

Development and history

Development began in the late 1960s as a successor to the FIM-43 Redeye, with General Dynamics winning the contract. The program faced significant technical challenges, particularly in developing a reliable seeker that could reject countermeasures. Key advancements were made at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, which contributed to the dual-color seeker technology. The system was first fielded in 1981 with the 82nd Airborne Division. Its combat debut with U.S. forces occurred during the Invasion of Grenada, and it was later used extensively in the Gulf War to defend against potential Iraqi Air Force attacks.

Design and specifications

The complete weapon system consists of a reusable gripstock, a disposable missile tube, and an Identification friend or foe (IFF) interrogator. The missile itself uses a solid-fuel Atlantic Research Corporation rocket motor to reach speeds over Mach 2.2. Its guidance system employs a passive seeker sensitive to both infrared and ultraviolet radiation, improving resistance to flares. The warhead is a 3 kg high-explosive blast-fragmentation type with a pyrotechnic fuze. The system interfaces with the AN/PPX-1 IFF system to help prevent fratricide, a critical feature in coalition operations.

Operational use

Beyond its early use in the Soviet–Afghan War, the system has been employed in conflicts across the globe. During the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), it was used by International Security Assistance Force troops. It has also been documented in the hands of non-state actors in conflicts like the Syrian Civil War and the War in Donbas. The United States Marine Corps utilized it during the Battle of Khafji. More recently, large quantities have been provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, where it has been credited with numerous aerial kills against Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft.

Variants and upgrades

The basic FIM-92A was followed by the FIM-92B, which introduced a reprogrammable microprocessor. The FIM-92C, or Stinger-RMP, featured further countermeasure resistance. The FIM-92D enhanced reliability, and the FIM-92E (Block I) improved performance against small, low-signature targets. The FIM-92J (Block II) program was canceled. Vehicle-mounted versions include the M1097 Avenger system and the M6 Linebacker on the M2 Bradley chassis. Air-to-air variants, like the AIM-92 Stinger, are used on helicopters such as the OH-58 Kiowa and Eurocopter Tiger. International producers, including EADS in Germany and Roketsan in Turkey, have also developed licensed or derivative versions.

Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the United States Category:Man-portable air-defense systems Category:Cold War weapons of the United States