G-29. The Avenger's combined arms mission is to provide protection to combat forces and other critical assets from attack. The Avenger is designed to counter hostile cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, low-flying, high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters attacking or transiting friendly airspace. The Avenger provides the battalions with highly mobile dedicated air defense firepower. It is equipped with two standard vehicle-mounted launchers (SVMLs). Each carries four Stinger missiles. The Avenger has the following capabilities:

A modified fire control subsystem and SVMLs that allow the Avenger to shoot on the move.

An unobstructed, 360-degree field of fire that can engage at elevations between -10 and +70 degrees.

A .50 cal machine gun that affords a measure of self-protection by providing additional coverage of the Stinger missile's inner launch boundary.

A sensor package (forward-looking infrared radar [FLIR], carbon dioxide, eye-safe laser range finder, and a video autotracker) that provides target acquisition capability in battlefield obscuration at night and in adverse weather.

Two-man crew can remain in the vehicle or remotely control the platform from a separate fighting position.

Shoot-on-the-move and slew-to-cue capability.

System maintains dismounted Stinger missile capability in event of launcher system damage, failure, or static mode.

G-30. The MANPADS Stinger Missile System employs a two-man crew that consists of a crew chief and a gunner. The MANPADS team normally has assigned transportation. Unit leaders must carefully consider the consequences before separating a Stinger team from its vehicle. Stinger teams operating away from their vehicles are limited in their ability to haul extra missiles to their firing point.

AIR and missle DEFENSE

G-28. Air defense systems that may operate in and adjacent to the Infantry platoon AO are the Avenger, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), and Linebacker (Table G-2). All systems can operate as MANPADS Stinger teams. Although other short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems support divisional units, the Infantry platoon is most likely to be supported by the Avenger or a MANPADS Stinger team. The Stinger is also fired from the Avenger and is designed to counter high-performance, low-level, ground attack aircraft; helicopters; and observation and transport aircraft.

The Stinger Team Display Recogniton is authorized to certified Stinger Team crewmen.