The Stinger is a U.S. man-portable air-defense system designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles at low altitudes. Its infrared homing seeker locks onto the target’s heat signature and guides the missile autonomously after launch.

The system is highly mobile and can be carried by a single operator, making it ideal for rapid-reaction units. An integrated identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) system helps prevent accidental friendly-fire incidents. The Stinger is capable of engaging maneuvering aerial targets and remains effective even in environments with thermal countermeasures. Its simple and robust design allows for quick launch preparation, which is crucial during fast-paced engagements.

In the simulator, the Stinger is recreated with realistic target-lock mechanics, launch dynamics, and missile flight behavior. This enables operators to train optimal launch timing, target tracking, and engagement techniques under complex tactical conditions without the risks of real ammunition use.