Among modern weapons, widely used in local conflicts, MANPADS play an important role. They are widely used both by the armies of various states and by terrorist organizations in the fight against air targets. A true standard for this type of weapon is the American Stinger MANPADS.
History of creation and implementation
MANPADS "Stinger" was designed and manufactured in the American corporation General Dynamics. The beginning of work on this weapon system dates back to 1967. In 1971, the concept of MANPADS was approved by the US Army and adopted as a prototype for further improvement under the FIM-92 index. The following year it was adopted and its commonly used name "Stinger", which is translated from English. means sting.
Due to technical difficulties, the first real missile launches from this complex took place only in mid-1975. Serial production of the Stinger MANPADS began in 1978 with the goal of replacing the obsolete FIM-43 Red Eye MANPADS, manufactured since 1968.
In addition to the base model, more than a dozen different modifications of this weapon were developed and produced.
Prevalence in the world
As noted above, the Stinger MANPADS succeeded the Red Eye MANPADS system. Its missiles are an effective means of combating low-altitude air targets. Currently, this type of complex is used by the armed forces of the United States and 29 other countries, they are manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems and licensed by EADS in Germany. The Stinger weapon system provides reliable air defense for modern ground-based mobile military units. Its combat effectiveness was proven in four major conflicts in which more than 270 combat aircraft and helicopters were destroyed with its help.
Purpose and characteristics
The MANPADS under consideration are light, autonomous air defense systems that can be quickly deployed on military platforms in any combat situation. For what purposes can the Stinger MANPADS be used? The characteristics of missiles controlled by reprogrammable microprocessors allow them to be used both for launching from helicopters in the air-to-air mode to combat air targets, and for air defense in the ground-to-air mode. Immediately after launch, the gunner is free to take cover so as not to fall under return fire, thereby achieving his safety and combat effectiveness.
The missile has a length of 1.52 m and a diameter of 70 mm with four aerodynamic rudders 10 cm high (two of them are rotary, and two are stationary) in the bow. It weighs 10.1 kg, while the weight of a rocket with a launcher is about 15.2 kg.
Options for MANPADS "Stinger"
- FIM-92A: first version.
- FIM - 92C: rocket with a reprogrammable microprocessor. The influence of external interference was offset by the addition of more powerful digital computer components. In addition, the rocket software has now been reconfigured in such a way as to respond quickly and effectively to new types of countermeasures (interference and false targets) in a short time. Until 1991, about 20, 000 units were released for the U.S. Army alone.
- FIM-92D: various modifications were used in this version in order to increase the immunity to interference.
- FIM-92E: missile with a reprogrammable Block I microprocessor. The addition of a new rollover sensor, software revision and control have led to a significant improvement in missile flight control. In addition, the effectiveness of hitting small targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and light reconnaissance helicopters has been improved. The first deliveries began in 1995. Almost the entire stock of Stinger missiles in the United States has been replaced with this version.
- FIM-92F: further improvement of the E-version and the version of the current production.
- FIM - 92G: Undefined update for option D.
- FIM - 92H: D-version, improved to the level of the E-version.
- FIM-92I: missile with a reprogrammable microprocessor Block II. This option was planned on the basis of version E. Improvements included an infrared homing head. In this modification, target detection distances and jamming capabilities have been significantly increased. In addition, changes in design can significantly increase the range. Although work reached the test stage, the program was discontinued in 2002 for budget reasons.
- FIM-92J: In missiles with a Block I reprogrammable microprocessor, obsolete components have been updated to extend their service life by another 10 years. The warhead is also equipped with a proximity fuse to increase efficiency against unmanned aerial vehicles.
ADSM, air defense suppression: option with an optional passive homing radar, this option can also be used against radar installations.
Rocket launch method
The American Stinger MANPADS (FIM-92) contains an AIM-92 missile enclosed in a shockproof hard launchable reusable container. From both ends it is closed by covers. The front of them transmits infrared and ultraviolet radiation, which is analyzed by the homing head. At launch, this cover is broken by a rocket. The back cover of the container is destroyed by a stream of gases from the starting accelerator. Due to the fact that the nozzles of the accelerator are inclined with respect to the axis of the rocket, it still rotates when it leaves the launch container. After the rocket leaves the container, four stabilizers are opened in its tail section, which are located at an angle to the body. Due to this, a torque acts in relation to its axis in flight.
After the rocket has flown to a distance of 8 m from the operator, the starting accelerator is separated from it and the marching two-stage engine starts. It accelerates the rocket to a speed of 2.2M (750 m / s) and maintains it throughout the flight.
A method of guiding and detonating a rocket
We continue to consider the most famous MANPADS of the United States. The Stinger uses a passive infrared finder for air targets. It does not emit radiation that aircraft can detect, but instead captures infrared energy (heat) emitted by an air target. Since the Stinger MANPADS operates in a passive homing mode, this weapon complies with the “shot and forget” principle, which does not require any instructions from the operator after the shot, unlike other missiles that need to adjust their path from the ground. This allows the operator "Stinger" to start defeating other targets immediately after the shot.
The high-explosive type warhead has a weight of 3 kg with a shock-type fuse and a self-destruction timer. A warhead consists of an infrared target finder, a section of fuses and one pound of blasting explosives enclosed in a pyrophoric titanium cylinder. The fuse is extremely safe and does not allow the rocket to undermine any kind of electromagnetic radiation in combat conditions. Warheads can be detonated only in a collision with a target or as a result of self-destruction that occurs after a time of 15 to 19 seconds after launch.
New sighting device
The latest versions of MANPADS are equipped with a standard sight AN / PAS-18. This is a durable, lightweight thermal imaging sight that is mounted on a launch container, providing the ability to launch a rocket at any time of the day. The device is designed to detect aircraft and helicopters beyond the maximum missile range.
The main function of AN / PAS-18 is to increase the effectiveness of MANPADS. It operates in the same range of the electromagnetic spectrum as the infrared rocket finder, and detects any sources of infrared radiation that the rocket can detect. This feature also allows you to carry out auxiliary functions of night observation. Working passively in the infrared spectrum, AN / PAS-18 allows the gunner to give target designation to shoot from MANPADS in complete darkness and in conditions of limited visibility (for example, fog, dust and smoke). Day / night AN / PAS-18 can detect aircraft at high altitude. Under optimal conditions, the detection can be at a distance of 20 to 30 kilometers. AN / PAS-18 is the least effective at detecting aircraft at low altitude flying directly towards the operator. When the tail of exhaust gases is hidden by the aircraft body, it cannot be detected until it is outside the zone of 8-10 kilometers from the operator. Detection range increases when the aircraft changes direction, providing a display of its own exhaust. AN / PAS-18 is ready for use within 10 seconds after turning on the power. It is powered by a lithium battery, which provides 6-12 hours of battery life. AN / PAS-18 is an auxiliary night vision device and does not have the permission required to identify aircraft.
Combat use
In preparation for use, a trigger mechanism is attached to the launch container using special locks, into which the power supply is pre-installed. It is connected to the battery via a cable with a plug. In addition, a cylinder with liquid inert gas is connected to the on-board network of the rocket through the nozzle. Another useful device is the block recognition goals on the system of "friend or foe" (IFF). The antenna of this system, which has a very characteristic "trellised" appearance, is also attached to the trigger mechanism.
How many people do you need to launch a missile from the Stinger MANPADS? Its characteristics make it possible to do this with one operator, although officially two people are required for its maintenance. In this case, the second number monitors the airspace. When the target is detected, the operator-shooter puts the complex on his shoulder and points it at the target. When it is captured by an infrared rocket finder, an audible and vibrational signal is given, after which the operator, by pressing the special button, must release the gyrostabilized platform, which in flight maintains a constant position relative to the ground, providing control of the instantaneous position of the rocket. Then the trigger is pressed, after which the liquid inert gas for cooling the infrared homing finder comes from the cylinder to the rocket, its onboard battery is launched, the detachable power plug is dropped, and the launch booster igniter is turned on.
How far does the Stinger shoot?
The firing range of the Stinger MANPADS is 3500 m in height. The missile searches for infrared light (heat) produced by the engine of the target aircraft and tracks the aircraft following this source of infrared radiation. Missiles also determine the ultraviolet “shadow” of the target object and use it to highlight the target against the background of other objects that generate heat.
The range of MANPADS "Stinger" after the target has a wide range for its different versions. So, for the basic version, the maximum range is 4750 m, and for the FIM-92E version it reaches up to 8 km.
TTX MANPADS "Stinger"
| MANPADS weight in the "to battle" position, kg | 15.7 |
| Rocket launch weight, kg | 10.1 |
| Missile length, mm | 1500 |
| The diameter of the rocket, mm | 70 |
| Swing of nasal stabilizers, mm | 91 |
| Warhead weight | 2, 3 |
| Flight speed, m / s | 650-750 |
