FIM-92 Stinger: The Missile is Using to Destroy Russia’s Helicopter

The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM). It can be adapted to fire from a wide variety of ground vehicles and helicopters (Air to Air Stinger).

[embed]This American Missile Has Shocked Many Russian Helicopters (FIM-92 Stinger)

What does the whole process look like step-by-step?

This is a solid-propellant rocket launcher. After starting, the Stinger accelerates to the target speed, and then the engine maintains it, slowing down the system’s thrust. After hitting the target detonation occurs (impact or non-contact ignition in new models). If the missile does not reach the target, it self-destructs after a certain period of time. Self-destruction is an effective function to counter the capture of the warhead by the enemy.

The operator prepares Stinger for action. When he finds the target and is convinced that it is an enemy aircraft, he pulls the trigger. Then the above-mentioned first auxiliary engine fires off, which forces the rocket to leave the launcher tube, and when the main engine ignites, it falls off.

How does the FIM-92 Stinger missile work?

As was already mentioned, the FIM-92 Stinger is usually a surface-to-air missile, which belongs to the passive class of missiles. The infrared head used on the projectile is able to capture the heat source to which the operator directs it. After firing, the missile moves to the captured object, aiming at the specified source of heat radiation.

Because Stingers are fired and shoot mainly at airplanes and helicopters, the source of heat of which is the engine, or the exhaust injectors of the engines in particular because that’s where a lot of heat energy is released directly into the atmosphere. This greatly facilitates the operation of the missile system.

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