Testing of new Stinger fuze complete
The US Army has completed qualification testing for a new proximity fuze that enhances the Stinger missile, Raytheon announced on 9 October.
Stinger recently underwent testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where the upgraded weapon system scored a 100% hit rate against a variety of targets. The missiles were shoulder-and vehicle-launched.
With qualification testing complete, the army can now move towards near-term fielding under an urgent materiel release. Plans call for the new proximity fuze to be integrated into Stinger missiles as part of a Service Life Extension Program to be conducted at the army's ammunition plant in McAlester, Oklahoma.
The new proximity fuze enables the lightweight, self-contained air defence system to destroy a wide range of battlefield threats such as enemy UAS by detonating the missile's warhead near the target, while maintaining its hit-to-kill capability.
The Stinger missile can be rapidly deployed by ground troops and on military platforms, including the Apache attack helicopter.
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