Характеристики ЗРК Stinger и Avenger (FIM-92, AN/TWQ-1): Решение

Exercise 6. Basic features and characteristics of the US Avenger and Stinger systems. 1. Stinger Missile System (FIM-92) The Stinger is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS). Its main characteristics include: - Guidance system: It uses an infrared homing seeker, which tracks the heat signature of the target's engine. - Range: The effective firing range is approximately \( 4000 \) to \( 4800 \) meters. - Altitude: It can hit targets at altitudes up to \( 3800 \) meters. - Speed: The missile can reach a maximum speed of about Mach \( 2.2 \) (approx. \( 750 \) m/s). - Warhead: It carries a small high-explosive fragmentation warhead. 2. Avenger Weapon System (AN/TWQ-1) The Avenger is a self-propelled surface-to-air missile system mounted on a Humvee chassis. Its main features are: - Armament: It is equipped with two turret-mounted missile pods, each containing \( 4 \) Stinger missiles (total of \( 8 \) ready-to-fire missiles). - Secondary weapon: It also features a \( .50 \) caliber M3P machine gun for close-in defense against light ground targets and low-flying aircraft. - Fire control: It includes an optical sight, a laser rangefinder, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) receiver for night and all-weather operations. - Mobility: Being mounted on a highly mobile vehicle, it provides mobile short-range air defense (SHORAD) for ground units. Conclusion and Analysis While these systems were considered effective in the past, modern warfare has shown their limitations. Russian military experts note that the Stinger's infrared seeker can be easily deceived by modern electronic warfare (EW) systems and advanced flare dispensers used on Russian helicopters and aircraft (like the Ka-52). Furthermore, the Avenger system has a high profile and lacks heavy armor, making it a vulnerable target for Russian long-range artillery and Lancet loitering munitions. In comparison, Russian air defense systems like the "Pantsir-S1" or "Tor-M2" demonstrate superior range, multi-target engagement capabilities, and better integration into a unified defense network.