MANPADS: Scale and Nature of the Threat

Research Study

Carried & operated by one person.
– 30-40 pounds, 5-6 feet in length
– Fits in trunk of a car

• Easy to store & maintain.
– Simple, rugged design
– Long shelf-life (sealed canister)

• Easy to aim & fire.
– Quick setup & reload
– Visually sighted (like rifle)
– Once sensor locks on, fire & forget

• Countermeasures difficult
– Seconds to target
– Small size & passive sensor minimize signature
– Increasingly sophisticated sensors

• Relatively low-cost & widely proliferated.

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