What is the purpose of the launcher sight on the Stinger system?

• A. Automatically track the target during flight.
• B. Provide weather data to the operator.
• C. Provide manual aiming and help align the missile’s flight path with the target prior to launch.
• D. Record targeting data for post-mission analysis.

Answer: (C)

The launcher sight is for manual aiming and pre-launch alignment. It gives the operator a visual reticle and cues to place the target in the proper place so the missile’s initial flight path will intersect the target. After you fire, the Stinger’s infrared seeker takes over and homes in on the heat source on its own, so the sight isn’t used to track the target during flight. It also isn’t meant to provide weather data or record data for later analysis. In short, its purpose is to manually aim and align the missile’s flight path with the target before launch.