Stinger |
Sent to Afghanistanis in the 80's, it decimated Soviet helicopters.
It was also used extensively in Africa.
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Stinger
Sent to Afghanistanis in the 80's, it decimated Soviet helicopters.
Afghan Rebel W/ A Stinger.
Soviet Troops Are Known To Have Captured SeveralIt was also used extensively in Africa.
Stingers are a suspect in the destruction of several civilian airliners.
Dollar Bill authorized the transfer of Stinger technology to China.
The transfer was made by a 'private' company
headed by former, DIA, chief Len Peroots.Designed to provide short-range air defense protection.
It is a shoulder-fired, infrared missile system
that homes in on the heat emitted by either jet or
propeller-driven, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.
It employs a proportional navigation system that
allows it to fly an intercept course to the target.
Once the missile has traveled a safe distance
from the gunner, its main engine ignites
and propels it to the target.
It can attack much faster targets than it's predacessor,
Redeye, and can destroy aircraft from any angle.
A follow-on seeker (Stinger-Post) allegedly improved the
system's ability to to survive infrared countermeasures.
It's Reprogrammable Microprocessor (RMP)
also enhances the performance against
infrared countermeasures and provides
the capability for future software upgrades.
The Stinger is used on many delivery platforms, including:
MANPADS, Avenger, Kiowa, Kiowa Warrior, and LAV-AD
Stinger-RMP is still in production in the U.S.China has already fielded a version of their own.
The original model was operationally deployed to
Germany in 1981, and production has been completed.
Stinger-Post entered production in
FY83 and was deployed in FY87.
Stinger-RMP entered development in Sept. 1984;
transition to production began in Nov. 1985;
initial deliveries began in FY89;
fielding began in FY90.Stinger-RMP production was accelerated
to meet Desert Shield/Storm requirements.
Further improvements to Stinger-RMP
performance were developed under a
Block I product improvement program.
Production began by FY95 and retrofit
to fielded systems started FY96.
FY93
The Army made a large purchase of Stingers to
avoid a costly break in the production line prior
to initiation of the Block I upgrade program.
The Army has initiated the Block I improvements to:
- extend service life
- increase its accuracy
- resist countermeasures
- increase effectiveness against UAVs, cruise
missiles and standoff helicopters in clutter,
- eliminate the need for super-elevation
(a safety hazard when fired from a hovering helicopter).
Block I GTV firings began late in 1995.
