How can an Avenger missile be employed as a MANPADS weapon?

• A. Use the Avenger as a handheld MANPADS without modifications
• B. Remove missile from pod, attach gripstock, attach BCU, operate as MANPADS
• C. Mount on a vehicle with no modifications
• D. Replace with a different missile type

Answer: (B)

The needed idea is that a true MANPADS operation requires a handheld launch interface plus the fire-control electronics. In the Avenger, the missile is stored in a pod and normally fired from a tripod or vehicle launcher with the BCU (battle control unit) providing power and control through a separate gripstock. To use it as a MANPADS, you must remove the missile from its pod and connect it to the gripstock and the BCU, so you have a handheld launcher with the proper firing control and power. Without attaching these components, you can’t safely arm or launch the missile, and simply mounting the system on a vehicle or replacing the missile wouldn’t give you a true hand-held, one-operator capability.