Ukrainian laser FIM-92 Stinger simulator for countering Shaheds approved for use in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Defense Ministry says. PHOTO
Drone Industry
A Ukrainian-made FIM-92 Stinger simulator system has been codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is the latest tool for training operators of FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems.
This was reported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Censor.NET reports.
The ministry noted that US-made FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS have been in service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Thanks to its infrared seeker, the Stinger effectively locks onto the heat signature of a Shahed’s engine and destroys it with a direct hit.
Optimizing training
The effectiveness of FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS largely depends on the level of operator training. Training personnel requires significant resources, including the use of launchers to study components and assemblies, missiles, coolant units, power supply units, depreciation of the launchers themselves and more.
The use of simulators reduces these costs to a minimum.
How the FIM-92 Stinger simulator works
The Ministry of Defence has stated that the FIM-92 Stinger laser simulator is completely identical to the combat MANPADS, replicating its dimensions, weight, and operating algorithm.
The simulator allows operators to practise the full cycle of actions:
- detecting an aerial target;
- locking on;
- tracking;
- launching;
- engaging the target.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are used as targets, simulating various types of threats, including UAVs, cruise missiles, aircraft, and helicopters.
The simulator records whether the operator’s actions are correct: target detection speed, aiming accuracy, and proper launch procedure.
The instructor then processes and analyzes the data, adjusts the training process, and improves training effectiveness.
Advantages of the simulator
The laser simulator system can be deployed in 10 minutes and used in field conditions in any weather.
This makes it possible to bring the operator’s skills to the level of automatic response, further increasing the combat effectiveness of FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS.
