Army tests Stinger missile with proximity fuzes, impacting small UAV targets
NewsJune 01, 2017
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. The U.S. Army completed a test with Raytheon's Stinger anti-air missiles equipped with new proximity fuzes. During the test, the proximity fuzes intercepted an MQM-170C Outlaw and an unidentified smaller system, two small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Proximity fuzes allow missiles to destroy targets by making contact or by detonating in close range, officials say. The Stinger weapon system is a lightweight, self-contained air defense system that can be deployed by ground troops and on military platforms.
"Stingers are usually loaded with direct impact warheads, which is appropriate for larger targets such as cruise missiles and aircraft," says Kim Ernzen, vice president of Raytheon's Land Warfare Systems product line. "The new proximity fuze gives ground forces the ability to engage small, elusive targets using a proven, familiar system."
U.S. and coalition partners deploy Stinger in multiple configurations, including man-portable, helicopter air-to-air, and ground-based vehicle applications.
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