Mechanical Engineering

The FIM-92 Stinger

Wondering What The Stinger Missile That Is Being Sent To Ukraine Is? In This Article, You Will Learn About The Uniqueness Of This Missile.

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Photo: Raytheon

By: Eythan Huang, Journalist

The Stinger is an American-designed missile defense system created by Raytheon Technologies. It is used in nineteen countries and four U.S. Military branches. Combat proven from Afghanistan to the Ukraine war, the Stinger missile is a symbol of America’s military and technological might.

The Stinger is 1.52 meters in length and 140 millimeters in diameter. It is classified as a man-portable surface-to-air launcher. Weighs 15.2 kg and adding the missile, it would weigh 25.3 kg. The missile is an infrared-homing surface-to-air missile. It can destroy any flying object 3,000 m away from the ground and as far as 8,000 m away.

One of my favorite parts of the Stinger is the technology used to build it. It is small and portable, any soldier could launch it. Once the missile has been launched, they can dive for cover. The missile follows the infrared light (heat) of the plane’s engine. Once you launch the missile, there is else for the launcher to do. This makes it a hit-and-run kind of weapon. Lastly, this missile is extremely accurate, it hits more than 90 percent of targets. Its speed and highly accurate missile provide a formidable anti-air missile launcher.

The Stinger has been in combat since 1981. It was used notably in Afghanistan, where the CIA gave Stingers to the mujahedin. The Stingers gave the rebels the ability to contest the airspace. Before this, the Soviets dominated the sky; rebels were vulnerable to bombing and strafing from soviet planes. This took a heavy toll on the rebel army. With this new weapon, the Soviet airships would be at risk anytime flying. Soviet pilots would have to operate at a higher distance, which worsens aim. The Stinger has helped the US army countless times in fighting our enemies.