Introduction to Shoulder-Fired Missiles
Shoulder-Fired Missiles , shoulder-launched missile, man-portable rocket launcher, or man-portable missile is a rocket-propelled explosive projectile small enough to be carried by a single person and fired while held on one’s shoulder.
The term shoulder-fired missile refers to large weapons that fulfill the role of a ranged anti-vehicle weapon, firing large, relatively moving, and explosive projectiles. These weapons are often lightweight and portable, making them appropriate for infantry, special forces, or other military troops in the field.
Shoulder-fired weapons are self-propelled projectile-fired missiles that are small enough to destroy aircraft, vessels, and tanks at a short range. It includes anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft, man-portable anti-defense system, rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-vessel launcher.
Types of Shoulder-Fired Missiles:
Shoulder-fired missiles come in numerous types, with a range of around 5 kilometers, and are capable of engaging different targets. Source:
- MANPADS
- ANTI-TANK MISSILES
- FLAME THROWER MISSILES
Based on technology, the shoulder-fired weapons market is segmented into guided and unguided. The guided segment is further segmented into infrared homing, semi-automatic command line-of-sight (SACLOS), and semi-active laser homing (SALH). The semi-automatic command line-of-sight (SACLOS) segment is further bifurcated into wire and radio-guided, and beam guided.
MANPADS:
Surface-to-air missiles known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) are capable of being fired against aircraft by a single person or a small group of people. These weapon systems often are described as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. The deployment of man-portable anti-tank systems (MANPADS) and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) offers significant advantages to military forces, providing them with the capability to engage targets with enhanced flexibility and reduced concerns about strike accuracy and weapon weight.
Types of MANPADS
- command line of sight
- laser-guided
- infra-red seekers
Command Line-of-Sight:
Command line-of-sight MANPADs are steered by a remote control to their destinations. The MANPADS operator visually acquires the target aircraft using a magnified optical sight and then uses radio controls to guide the missile into the aircraft
Laser Guided:
MANPADS that are laser-guided or laser beam riders track a laser that is directed onto their target. Laser Beam Riders in which the missile flies along the laser beam and strikes the aircraft where the operator has aimed the laser.
Infrared seekers:
Infrared seekers acquire their target by detecting the heat of an aircraft’s engine. Infrared (IR) systems that hone in on an aircraft’s heat source, usually the engine or the engine exhaust plume
Average MANPADS can reach a target from 3.2 miles, which means commercial aircraft are most vulnerable during periods of takeoff and landing. They are designed to protect soldiers on the battlefield from attacking aircraft. Because MANPADS are intended to be carried and deployed rapidly by ground forces, they are low-cost, light, compact, and mobile.
FLAME THROWER MISSILES:
Some shoulder-fired systems are designed to project fire. Some of the few examples of the Flame Thrower Missiles are as follows
RPO-A Shmel: A thermobaric weapon that creates a powerful blast effect.
M202 FLASH: Rocket launcher that fires incendiary rounds.
ANTI-TANK MISSILES:
Anti-tank missiles (ATMs) are guided missiles designed primarily to destroy or damage heavily armored vehicles and tanks. Small ATMs that can be carried by a single person and shoulder-launched.
With the latest technology, they can be fired from a significant distance and still do damage to light and medium armored vehicles. Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile is for infantry and Parachute Special Forces.
A few examples of Anti-Tank Missiles are as follows
- FGM-148 Javelin: A modern, guided anti-tank missile known for its fire-and-forget capability.
- M72 LAW: A lightweight, disposable anti-tank weapon.
- RPG-7: A reusable rocket-propelled grenade launcher that has been widely used in various conflicts.
Technological Advancements in Shoulder-Fired Missiles:
Technological advancements have had a profound impact on the shoulder-fired missiles market, enhancing their performance, accuracy, and versatility.
The creation of sophisticated guiding systems is one of the biggest technological advances. Modern shoulder-fired missiles are equipped with sophisticated guidance systems, including infrared (IR), laser, and radio-frequency (RF) seekers, which enable precise targeting and engagement of enemy assets.
Infrared seekers detect the heat signatures emitted by targets, allowing missiles to track and intercept airborne threats with high accuracy. Laser guidance systems use laser beams to designate targets, providing pinpoint accuracy even in adverse weather conditions or against fast-moving targets.
Developments in propulsion technology and miniaturization have also had a big impact on the shoulder-fired missile business. Because of miniaturization, missile systems have become lighter and more compact, making them easier for infantry troops and special operations teams to carry about and operate.
These technological enhancements not only improve the precision and efficiency of these portable systems but also contribute to their adaptability in diverse operational environments, thereby bolstering the defensive capabilities of military forces against airborne threats and armored vehicles
Recent Developments in Shoulder-Fired Missiles:
The United States government announced plans to provide substantial military support to Ukraine by supplying thousands of Stinger and Javelin shoulder-fired weapons. This strategic move aimed to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, particularly in countering armored threats.
The production of these advanced weapons is a collaborative effort between Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Lockheed Martin, two leading defense contractors.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to conduct high-altitude trials of Indigenous shoulder-fired air defense missiles. To meet the Indian Army and Air Force’s need for Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems, these missiles are designed to counter aerial threats such as drones, fighter aircraft, and helicopters in border areas.
Conclusion
Shoulder-fired missiles are a vital component of modern infantry firepower, offering portable, versatile, and precise solutions for engaging a range of targets. Their technological advancements and strategic benefits make them indispensable in contemporary military operations, providing troops with the capability to respond swiftly and effectively to various threats. As technology continues to evolve, shoulder-fired missiles will remain a key asset in enhancing ground force capabilities and operational effectiveness