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| FIM-92 Stinger |
The FIM-92 Stinger is an American-made man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for targeting and destroying low-altitude airborne threats.
Design and Specifications
- Type: Man-portable surface-to-air missile (SAM)
- Length: 5 ft (1.52 m)
- Diameter: 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Weight: 22 lb (10.1 kg) for the missile; approximately 35 lb (15.7 kg) with the launcher
- Engine: Solid-fuel rocket motor
- Guidance System: Infrared homing; passive targeting of infrared and UV signatures from aircraft
- Effective Range: 0.1–5 miles (0.16–8.05 km)
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.2 (approximately 2,440 ft/s or 745 m/s)
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), 6.6 lb (3 kg)
Development and History
The Stinger was developed as a successor to the FIM-43 Redeye missile and entered service in 1981. Designed by General Dynamics and manufactured by Raytheon, it has been upgraded multiple times throughout its service life, improving its effectiveness in combat scenarios. The missile exhibits a "fire-and-forget" capability, allowing the operator to engage multiple threats quickly without needing to maintain a lock on the target after launch.
Variants
Several variants of the Stinger exist, including:
- FIM-92A: The original model.
- FIM-92B: Introduced a combined infrared/ultraviolet seeker to counter flares more effectively.
- FIM-92C: The RMP variant features a reprogrammable microprocessor, allowing for updates and improved countermeasure resistance.
- FIM-92E: This model introduced enhancements for greater effectiveness against smaller aerial targets like drones.
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| FIM-92 Stinger |
Operational Use
The FIM-92 Stinger has been utilized in various conflicts, including the Falklands War and the Soviet-Afghan War, and most recently, in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where it has played a pivotal role in defending against hostile aircraft. It has been provided to numerous allies and is operational in multiple countries worldwide, including Bangladesh.
Conclusion
The FIM-92 Stinger remains a significant component of modern infantry air defense systems, offering troops the capability to defend against aerial threats with a lightweight and easily deployable system. Its continual upgrades and variants ensure its relevance in current military operations. For more detailed information, you can refer to Wikipedia and other military resources that provide specifications and combat history.
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