Avenger Missile System

The Avenger low range interceptor missile for use on the battlefield designed for defense for interceptions below 40 km above the target area.

SERVICES: Army and Marine Corps

DESCRIPTION: A mobile battery of eight Stinger missiles in two reloadable pods.

FEATURES:
The Avenger is an air defense missile system consisting of a pedestal mounted "Stinger" missile battery that operates from a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) chassis (See HMMWV Fact Sheet). The system consists of eight heat-seeking Stinger missiles in two quickly reloadable pods and a .50-caliber machine gun for self-defense. Avenger provides protection to rear echelon units and command posts against low-altitude and high-speed airplanes and helicopters.

BACKGROUND:
The first Army unit was equipped with the Avenger in FY89. The Army has 281 systems in its inventory and has been authorized an additional 1,498.