View source for AN/TWQ-1 Avenger

{{Short description|Self-propelled surface-to-air missile system}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox weapon <!-- more info @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_weapon -->
| name               = AN/TWQ-1 Avenger
| image              = Avenger missile.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Avenger air defense missile system
| origin             = United States
| type               = Hybrid mobile [[surface-to-air missile]] launcher system and [[self-propelled anti-aircraft gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = 
| is_explosive       = 
| is_vehicle         = yes
| is_missile         = yes
| is_UK              = no
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1989–present
| used_by            = {{Plainlist|
*[[Air Defence Battalion (Lithuania)|Lithuanian Air Defense Battalion]],
*[[Peshmerga]] (Kurdistan Army),
*[[United States Army]],
*[[United States Marine Corps]], 
*[[Ukrainian Military]]
}}
| wars               = 
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Boeing]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1980s–present
| number             = Over 1,100 by 2002<ref>[https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/history/pdf/Boeing_Products.pdf Select Products In Boeing History], p. 71, Boeing</ref>
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert|8600|lb}}
| length             = {{convert|16|ft|3|in}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = {{convert|7|ft|2|in}}
| height             = {{convert|8|ft|8|in}}
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 2 (Basic), 3 (STC)
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = 
| caliber            = 
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = 
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = 
<!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling            = 
| filling_weight     = 
| detonation         = 
| yield              = 
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             = 
| primary_armament   = 4/8 [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles
| secondary_armament = .50{{nbsp}}[[FN Herstal|FN]]{{nbsp}}[[M2 Browning#AN/M3, GAU-21/A, and M3P|M3P]] machine{{nbsp}}gun{{r|M3P}}
| engine             = Detroit Diesel cooled V-8
| engine_power       = {{convert|135|hp}}
| transmission       = 
| payload_capacity   = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| suspension         = 
| clearance          = 
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|275|mi}}
| speed              = {{convert|55|mph}} (launcher)<br/>Mach 2.2 (effector)
| guidance           = 
}}

The '''AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Air Defense System''' is an American self-propelled [[surface-to-air missile]] system that provides mobile, short-range [[air defense]] protection for ground units against [[cruise missile]]s, [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s, low-flying [[fixed-wing aircraft]], and [[helicopter]]s.<ref name="Jane's">{{cite web | url = http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Land-Based-Air-Defence/Avenger-AN-TWQ-1-United-States.html | date = 2011-09-20 | title = Avenger AN/TWQ-1 (United States) | website = Jane's Land Based Air Defense | publisher = [[Janes Information Services]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120614072102/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Land-Based-Air-Defence/Avenger-AN-TWQ-1-United-States.html | archive-date = 2012-06-14 | url-status = dead}}</ref>

The Avenger was originally developed for the [[United States Armed Forces]]; it is currently used by the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] and previously by the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]].<ref name="USMC Avenger use">{{ cite web | url = http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/systems/STINGER.html | title = Stinger / Avenger | date = n.d. | website = [[Redstone Arsenal]] | publisher = [[United States Army]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101105002435/http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/systems/STINGER.html | archive-date = 2010-11-05 | url-status = dead | access-date = 2022-03-17 }}</ref>

In accordance with the [[Joint Electronics Type Designation System]] (JETDS), the "AN/TWQ-1" designation represents the first design of an Army–Navy [[Electronics|electronic device]] for ground transportable armament special combination equipment. The JETDS system is now used to also name all [[Department of Defense]] and some [[NATO]] [[Electronics|electronic systems]].

==History==
Originally developed as a private venture by [[Boeing]] in the 1980s, the Avenger was developed over a period of only 10 months from initial concept to delivery for testing to the U.S. Army. Initial testing was conducted in May 1984 at the Army's [[Yakima Training Center]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. During testing three [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles were fired. During the first test firing, on April 1984,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Select Boeing Products in History |url=https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/history/pdf/Boeing_Products.pdf |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=Boeing |page=71}}</ref> the system achieved a direct hit while the Avenger was moving at {{convert|20|mph}}.<ref name="Jane's" />

The second test firing, conducted at night while stationary, also achieved a direct hit. The third test firing, conducted while on the move and in the rain, did not achieve a direct hit, but did pass within the missile's kill range, so the shot was scored as a tactical kill. All three test shots were conducted by operators who had never fired the missile before.<ref name="Jane's" />

In August 1987, the U.S. Army awarded Boeing<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Werrell |first=Kenneth P. |date=August 2005 |title=Archie to SAM: A Short Operational History of Ground-Based Air Defense Systems |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/AUPress/Books/B_0028_WERRELL_ARCHIE_TO_SAM.pdf |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=[[Air University (United States Air Force)]] |pages=102–3}}</ref> the first production contract for 325 units.<ref name="Army-Technology">{{cite web | url = http://www.army-technology.com/projects/avenger/ | date = 2001-06-12 | title = Avenger Low Level Air Defense System, USA | website = Army Technology | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220209010102/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/avenger/ | archive-date = 2022-02-09 | url-status = live | access-date = 2022-03-17}}</ref> On 1 November 1988, the first unit was delivered.<ref name=":0" /> In 1989, the system began its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) series of tests. The tests were conducted in two stages with Stage 1 consisting of acquisition and tracking trials at [[Fort Hunter Liggett]], [[California]], and Stage 2 consisting of live-fire testing at [[White Sands Missile Range]], [[New Mexico]]. In February 1990, the Avenger system was deemed operationally effective and began replacing the [[M163 VADS|M163]] and [[M167 VADS]].<ref name="Globalsecurity.org">{{cite web | url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/avenger.htm | date = n.d. | title = Avenger (Pedestal Mounted Stinger) | publisher = [[GlobalSecurity.org]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220311203426/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/avenger.htm | archive-date = 2022-03-11 | url-status = live | access-date = 2022-03-17 | url-access = limited}}</ref> Two variants were deployed based on the [[Humvee]] chassis: M998 HMMWV Avenger and M1097 Heavy HMMWV Avenger.

By January 1997, the Army had received over 900 units of the Avenger system.<ref name=":02" />

The first operational deployment of the system occurred during the buildup for the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]. With the success of this deployment, the U.S. Army signed an additional contract for another 679 vehicles, bringing the total order to 1,004 units. The Avenger was again deployed in support of [[NATO]] operations during the [[Bosnian War]].<ref name="Army-Technology" /> The Avenger system received widespread public exposure when it was placed around the [[The Pentagon|Pentagon]] during the first anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]] of 2001.<ref>{{cite web | first1 = Alex | last1 = Wong | url = http://www.life.com/image/1378778 | title = Stinger Missile in Nation's Capital | magazine = [[Life (magazine)|Life]] | agency = [[Getty Images]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611111316/http://www.life.com/image/1378778 | archive-date = 2011-06-11 | url-status = dead | access-date = 2022-03-17 }}</ref> The Avenger was also deployed during the U.S. military's operations in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq War|Iraq]].<ref name="Army-Technology" />

In 2004, the U.S. Army had 26 battalions with Avenger Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) capabilities, but prioritization of other weapon systems during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq caused that number to drop to nine by early 2017, of which two were within the active force and seven were in the Army National Guard.<ref>[https://archive.today/20170211215450/http://www.defensenews.com/articles/short-range-air-defense-making-fast-comeback Short-range air defense making a fast comeback] – Defensenews.com, 10 February 2017</ref> Of the over 1,100 Avengers built only about 400 remain in service.<ref>[http://breakingdefense.com/2017/04/boeing-upgrades-air-defense-vs-russians-avenger-shorad/ Boeing Upgrades Air Defense Vs. Russians: Avenger SHORAD] – Breakingdefense.com, 14 April 2017</ref> In March 2018, in response to renewed Russian aggression since the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|2014 annexation of Crimea]], the [[678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (United States)|678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade]] deployed to Europe, the first time an American air defense unit had been sent there since the Cold War. The Army plans to deploy 72 Avenger sets to support [[U.S. European Command]].<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/us_air_defense_artillery_brigade_back_in_europe_for_first_time_since_the_cold_war.html US air defense artillery brigade back in Europe for first time since the Cold War]. ''Army Recognition''. 3 April 2018.</ref>

During protests regarding the [[Dakota Access Pipeline]] near Standing Rock, the North Dakota National Guard deployed an Avenger system as an observation platform. It was employed for over a month to observe areas within Morton County where numerous instances of criminal trespass and mischief had occurred. The unarmed Avenger was used to support public safety in southern Morton County. The Avenger system was removed in order to deescalate any tensions its presence may have caused.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/18/national-guard-pulls-missile-launchers-away-from-standing-rock-protesters.html|title = National Guard Pulls Missile Launchers Away from Standing Rock Protesters|newspaper = The Daily Beast|date = 18 January 2017|last1 = Axe|first1 = David}}</ref>

In April 2017, an Avenger fired Stingers at two UAVs in a test on [[Eglin Air Force Base]], marking the missile's first interception of a UAV target. While Stingers are usually loaded with direct impact warheads for use against aircraft and cruise missiles, these were equipped with [[proximity fuze]]s that enabled them to detonate near the target, giving them the ability to destroy small UAVs. Since small UAVs do not produce large heat signatures, the Avenger uses a [[laser rangefinder]] in combination with an antenna on the warhead to direct the missile on target. The Stingers shot down an [[MQM-170 Outlaw|MQM-170C Outlaw]] and a smaller, unidentified system, demonstrating the fuze's ability to detect and destroy moving mini-drones weighing as little as {{convert|2–20|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.scout.com/military/warrior/story/1782347-new-stinger-missile-fuse-destroys-mini-drones Famous Army Stinger Missile Proximity Fuse Now Destroys Moving Mini-Drones] – Scout.com/Military, 2 June 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/proximity-fuzed-stinger-missiles-small-unmanned-systems/ Proximity-fuzed Stinger Missiles Down Small Unmanned Systems] – Defensemedianetwork.com, 2 June 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.c4isrnet.com/articles/stinger-missiles-intercept-drones-in-a-first-with-new-fuzes Stinger missiles intercept drones in a first with new fuzes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927110747/https://www.c4isrnet.com/articles/stinger-missiles-intercept-drones-in-a-first-with-new-fuzes/ |date=2021-09-27 }} – C4ISRnet.com, 7 June 2017</ref>

On 30 September 2020, the U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics a contract to deliver the Interim Maneuver SHORAD (IM-SHORAD), a [[Stryker]] armored vehicle fitted with heavier weapons to replace the outdated, unarmored, and undergunned Avenger Humvee.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2020/10/gdls-gets-1-2b-for-144-army-anti-aircraft-strykers/ GDLS Gets $1.2B For 144 Army Anti-Aircraft Strykers]. ''Breaking Defense''. 1 October 2020.</ref>

In November 2022, four Avenger air defense systems were included as part of a $400 million military aid package supporting Ukraine during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] to defend critical civilian infrastructure against cruise missile and Iranian-made [[Shahed-136]] [[loitering munition|lethal drone]] attacks which were [[Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure (2022–present)|launched by Russia in October 2022]].<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/11/10/us-sending-ukraine-400-million-in-military-aid/ US sending Ukraine $400 million in military aid]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 10 November 2022.</ref> Another eight were included in a package in January 2023.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2023/01/ukraine-contact-group-meeting-caps-off-deluge-of-new-arms-pledges-but-no-german-leopards/ Ukraine Contact Group meeting caps off deluge of new arms pledges, but no German Leopards]. ''Breaking Defense''. 20 January 2023.</ref> The first arrived in Europe in early February and were seen in service by late March.<ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/us-avenger-an-twq-1-air-defense-missile-systems-are-now-in-service-with-ukrainian-army US AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems now in service with Ukrainian army]. ''Army Recognition''. 21 September 2024.</ref> Ukraine has received in total some 20 units, as of September 2024, with the crews being trained in Europe by United States instructors.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/ukraine-builds-layered-air-defences-060724404.html |title = Ukraine builds layered air defences as Russia ramps up strikes |website = Yahoo! News|date =20 June 2023 |first1= Tom |last1=Balmforth}}</ref><ref name="oryx_delivery_of_weapons_in_ukraine_source">{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Answering The Call: Heavy Weaponry Supplied To Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/answering-call-heavy-weaponry-supplied.html |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Oryx}}</ref>

==Overview==
[[Image:Avenger Stinger Missile.JPEG|thumb|A Stinger missile being launched from an Avenger platform at [[Onslow Beach]], North Carolina, in April 2000.]]

The Avenger comes mainly in three configurations, the Basic, Slew-to-Cue, and the Up-Gun.

The Basic configuration consists of a gyro-stabilized air defense turret mounted on a modified heavy [[Humvee]]. The turret has two Stinger missile launcher pods, each capable of firing up to 4 [[fire-and-forget]] [[infrared homing|infrared]]/[[ultraviolet homing|ultraviolet guided missile]]s in rapid succession.<ref name="Jane's" /> The Avenger can be linked to the Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (FAAD C3I) system, which permits external [[radar]] tracks and messages to be passed to the fire unit to alert and cue the gunner.<ref name="Globalsecurity.org" />

The Slew-to-Cue (STC) subsystem allows the commander or gunner to select a FAAD C3I reported target for engagement from a display on a Targeting Console developed from VT Miltope's Pony PCU.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jc4i/jc4ia008.html Pony PCU (United States) – Janes C4I Systems]</ref> Once the target has been selected, the turret can be automatically slewed directly to the target with limited interaction by the gunner.<ref name="Globalsecurity.org" />

The Up-Gun Avenger was developed specifically for the [[3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment]] for the Regiment's 2005 deployment to Iraq. The modification was designed to allow the Avenger to perform unit and asset defense in addition to its air defense mission. The right missile pod was removed and the M3P 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50) cal machine gun was moved to the pod's former position. This allowed for the removal of the turret's cab safety limits which enabled the gun to be fired directly in front of the HMMWV.<ref>{{cite magazine | last1 = James | first1 = Lynda | date = 2005-07-01 | title = Fast work for a big request {{!}} Boeing team gives troops in Middle East extra firepower | url = https://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/july/i_ids6.html | url-status = live | magazine = Boeing Frontiers | publisher = [[Boeing]] | volume = 4 | issue = 3 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210515120017/https://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/july/i_ids6.html | archive-date = 2021-05-15 | access-date = 2022-03-17 | quote = The Army and Boeing quickly began to address the 3ACR's requirement with changes to Avenger. Among them: removing one of the Stinger ground-to-air missile pods so that the .50 caliber machine gun could be moved up and mounted in its place. Repositioning the gun allowed for 360-degree coverage, eliminating no-fire zones around the cab of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as a Humvee, on which the Avengers are mounted. An additional design modification almost tripled the machine gun's firepower, giving soldiers 650 armor-piercing/incendiary .50-caliber bullets for protection.}}</ref> Eight of the unit's Avengers were modified to this configuration.<ref name="Army-Technology"/> With the 3rd ACR's redeployment from Iraq, the Up-Gun Avenger completed its role in [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] and the Avengers have been scheduled to be converted back to STC systems.

==Variants==
===Boeing/Shorts Starstreak Avenger===
[[File:Avenger 04.jpg|thumb|right|M1097 Avenger launching [[Starstreak]] missile]]
Boeing teamed with Shorts Brothers PLC (now part of [[Thales Air Defence|Thales]]) to offer an Avenger system in which one Stinger pod was replaced with a pod of four [[Starstreak]] Hyper-velocity laser-guided missiles, in the hopes of attracting a U.S. Army contract under the Forward Area Air Defense System Line-of-Sight Rear (FAADS-LOS-R) program. Test installation was carried out in mid-1990 and firing trials followed from mid-1991 in the U.K. Starstreak would have complemented the Stinger by improving the overall systems ability to deal with low hovering helicopters which frequently do not provide enough contrast for lock-on by infrared guided missiles.  Starstreak also has the ability to be used against un-armored and lightly armored ground vehicles.

===Boeing/Matra Guardian===
In the 1990s Boeing teamed with Matra of France to offer the Avenger modified by the substitution of standard triple launcher boxes for Matra [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]] missiles in place of the quadruple Stinger pods of the standard Avenger. One demonstrator vehicle was built in 1992 and test firings took place in France.  The project was dropped around 1997.

===Avengers during the Iraq War===
Due to the lack of serious airborne threats during much of the Iraq War, along with the pressing need for ground assets for combat roles such as convoy protection, the Avenger was pressed into this role.<ref>[http://firsttofire.com/adamag/Issue%20PDFs/ADA_MAG%20April%2005.pdf Air Defense Artillery April-June 2005] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327015327/http://firsttofire.com/adamag/Issue%20PDFs/ADA_MAG%20April%2005.pdf |date=27 March 2009 }}</ref> The [[FLIR]]/[[laser rangefinder]] combined with the 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50) cal machine gun has proved to be very effective, but was limited by no-fire zones, particularly to the front of the vehicle.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/44-44/Ch1.htm FM 44-44 – AVENGER PLATOON, SECTION, AND SQUAD OPERATIONS]</ref> A program was instituted to remove one of the missile pods and move the machine gun to that position to enable a 360° field of fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/ids/allsystemsgo/issues/vol3/num2/story10.html |title=Giving Troops Extra Firepower – Boeing |access-date=2006-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318215406/http://www.boeing.com/ids/allsystemsgo/issues/vol3/num2/story10.html |archive-date=2006-03-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The upgrade also increased the ammunition capacity to 650 rounds.

===Avenger DEW===
Another potential variant proposed by Boeing is an Avenger with a [[Directed Energy Weapon]] (DEW).  Boeing completed an initial test of a 1&nbsp;kW laser mounted where the right missile pod would be.<ref name="Popular Mechanics">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4231116.html |title=Boeing Tests Laser-Mounted Humvee as IED Hunter |access-date=2007-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115082409/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4231116.html |archive-date=2007-11-15 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |first=Joe |last=Pappalardo |date=13 November 2007}}</ref> The M3P 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50) cal has been replaced by the [[M242 Bushmaster]] as its close defense weapon.{{citation needed|date=May 2009}}

===Avenger Multi-Role Weapon System===
Test firing demonstrations of this variant took place in 2004. It is modified by re-locating the M3P machine gun over the turret cab to allow a 360-degree field of fire, increasing ready-use machine gun ammunition stowage to 600 rounds, and providing the option to substitute launchers for 2 [[FGM-148 Javelin]] missiles in place of 1 Stinger pod.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/products/a/avenger.htm |title=Javelin Avenger Variant Testing Details – Defense Update |access-date=2009-05-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516014730/http://defense-update.com/products/a/avenger.htm |archive-date=2009-05-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Accelerated Improved Interceptor Initiative (AI3)===
In February 2012, Raytheon was awarded a contract to develop the AI3, a modified [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] missile mounted on the Avenger launcher, to perform counter rocket, artillery, mortar (C-RAM), counter [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (C-UAV), and counter [[cruise missile]] duties.<ref>[http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/ai3/ "Accelerated Improved Interceptor Initiative (AI3)"]</ref>

In 2013, the US Army decided to not buy the system.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/28563/ausa-2013-us-army-halts-ai3-c-ram-buy-despite-successful-tests |title=AUSA 2013: US Army halts AI3 C-RAM buy despite successful tests |last1=Fein |first1=Geoff |date=21 October 2013 |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=4 September 2014}}</ref>

In August 2014, the system successfully intercepted a UAV and cruise missile target featuring a [[semi-active radar homing]] seeker in a test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blog.executivebiz.com/2014/08/thomas-bussing-raytheon-ai3-missile-built-to-complement-army-ground-weapon-system/ |title=Thomas Bussing: Raytheon AI3 Missile Built to Complement Army Ground Weapon System |last1=Forrester |first1=Anna |date=29 August 2014 |publisher=ExecutiveBiz |access-date=4 September 2014}}</ref>

===Other variants===
Boeing have proposed that the Avenger PMS turret could be mounted on other vehicles such as [[Unimog]] truck, [[BV-206]] all-terrain vehicles, M113 APC, and M548 tracked cargo carrier as well as being used as a stationary ground mount on a pallet for defense of static targets. The Avenger PMS has been demonstrated with a mock-up of two [[Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|70&nbsp;mm helicopter-type rocket pods]] carrying a total of 36 rockets to give the system greater multi-mission utility.  Other missiles such as the Bofors [[RBS 70]]/Bolide have been proposed for use on the Avenger PMS.

In March 2017, Boeing revealed a modernized Avenger system fitted with [[AIM-9|AIM-9X Sidewinder]] and [[Hellfire missile|Longbow Hellfire]] missiles on the sides and a [[directed energy weapon]] affixed to the top.  It is also planned to be integrated onto other platforms including the [[L-ATV|JLTV]], [[Stryker]], and [[Bradley Fighting Vehicle]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20170316131637/http://www.defensenews.com/articles/boeing-soups-up-old-avenger-for-short-range-air-defense-gap '80s flashback: Boeing soups up old Avenger for short-range air defense gap] – Defensenews.com, 14 March 2017</ref> While Boeing had configured a Stryker with the Avenger turret to fulfill the Army's Interim Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) requirement, the Army ultimately decided against the idea, feeling it would require major modifications to the vehicle and because of the company's desire for the service to supply the turrets, of which there were a limited amount existing readily in the inventory.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/06/28/us-armys-interim-short-range-air-defense-solution-crystallizes/ US Army’s interim short-range air defense solution crystallizes]. ''Defense News''. 29 June 2018.</ref>

During a 2017 joint French-Egyptian naval exercise, an AN/TWQ-1 Avenger was mounted onto the helicopter flight deck of a [[Mistral-class amphibious assault ship]] to provide ad-hoc close-range air defense. The ship was originally slated to be sold to [[Russian Navy|Russia]], but the sale was canceled due to international sanctions imposed on Russia following the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Annexation of Crimea]]. The ship was sold to the Egyptian navy without the originally planned Russian air defense systems.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-19|title=Watch: Egyptian Navy Uses Avenger Air Defense System for its Mistral-Class Ships|url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/30392|access-date=2021-04-21|website=Israel Defense}}</ref>

== Specifications ==
[[File:Avenger Air Defense System in Songshan Air Force Base 20110813a.jpg|thumb|A Taiwanese Avenger]]
[[File:2nd LAAD Conducts Stinger Live Fire Exercises 160607-M-AD586-021.jpg|thumb|The operator's cabin on a US Army Avenger]]

===Dimensions===
* '''Length''' – {{convert|16|ft|3|in}}
* '''Width''' – {{convert|7|ft|2|in}}
* '''Height''' – {{convert|8|ft|8|in}}
* '''Weight''' – {{convert|8600|lb}}
* '''Crew''' – 2 (Basic), 3 (STC)
* '''Road speed''' – {{convert|55|mph}}
* '''Vehicle range''' – {{convert|275|mi}}
* '''Engine''' – Detroit Diesel cooled V-8
* '''Engine power output''' – {{convert|135|hp}}

===Weapons===
* 4/8 ready-to-fire [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles
* One [[M2 Browning#AN/M3, GAU-21/A, and M3P|FN M3P]] machine gun built by [[FN Herstal]],<ref name="M3P">{{cite web | title = Weapon Systems > FN® M3P | date = n.d. | url = https://fnamerica.com/products/weapon-systems/fn-m3p/ | website = [[FN Herstal|FN America]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220302140336/https://fnamerica.com/products/weapon-systems/fn-m3p/ | archive-date = 2022-03-02 | access-date = 2022-03-08 | url-status = live }}</ref> a variant of the [[M2 Browning#AN.2FM3.2C GAU-21.2FA.2C and M3P|Browning AN/M3]] developed for aviation use during World War II. It is a 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50) caliber machine gun with an electronic trigger that can be fired from both the remote control unit (RCU) located in the drivers cab, and from the handstation located in the Avenger turret. It has a 950 to 1100 rounds per minute firing rate. Loads one box of 200{{ndash}}250 rounds at a time.

===Electronics===
The operational heart of the AN/TWQ-1 system is an integrated [[electronics]] suite including sensors, targeting and fire-control subsystems. These subsystems allow manual, remote, or automated engagement of aerial threats.{{r|FM30111}} In 1987, [[Boeing]] became prime integrator of Avenger including subsystems.<ref name=MedDef>{{Cite report |url= https://media.defense.gov/1996/Sep/16/2001715356/-1/-1/1/96-221.pdf |title= The Avenger Forward-Looking Infra-Red System |date= Sep 16, 1996 |access-date= Oct 5, 2025 |publisher= [[Department of Defense]] |location= [[Washington, D.C.]]}}</ref> Subsystems and subcomponents include:<ref name=FM30111>{{Cite book |url= https://info.publicintelligence.net/USArmy-ADA-Handbook.pdf |title= FM 3‑01.11 — Air Defense Artillery Reference Handbook |date= Oct 23, 2007 |access-date= Oct 5, 2025 |chapter= 1 |pages= 1-1 through 1-13 |publisher= Headquarters, [[Department of the Army]] |location= [[Washington, D.C.]] |type= Field Manual}}</ref>
* Sensor and targeting suite consisting of:
** [[FLIR]] imager, a [[Raytheon]] AN/VLR-1, doubling as eye-safe [[laser rangefinder]] (LRF) and video auto-tracker{{r|Army-Technology}}
** 8x [[optical sight]] unit with reticle and laser filter for visual identification and back-up for sensor failures
** AN/PPX-3A/B [[Identification friend or foe#Modes|Mode 3/4]] compatible IFF interrogator to avoid [[Friendly fire|fratricide]]{{r|Army-Technology}}
** Avenger [[Fire-control system|fire-control computer]] (AFCC), or Avenger control electronics (ACE), is manufactured by [[General Dynamics]]{{r|Army-Technology}}
* Sensitivity Time Control (STC) system obtains integrated and processed target data from the AFCC, and consists of:
** Land navigation system (LNS) which provides real-time heading and current position of the Avenger supporting fire on-the-move operations
** Control display terminal (CDT) displays operational information with a direct interface to the RCU
** Handheld terminal unit (HHTU) and air situation display, a small computer terminal receiving, processing and siplaying messages and operational data
* Communications and Network Integration:
** [[SINCGARS]] capable radios
** [[AN/PSN-11]] Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR)
** AN/PSQ-6 [[Enhanced Position Location Reporting System]] (EPLRS)
** CP-1995/U Simplified Handheld Terminal Unit (SHTU)
** Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C{{sup|2}}) integration to receive cueing from other air defense radars like the [[AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel]]
* Remote Control Unit (RCU) using an encrypted [[Radio frequency|RF]] link for secure control and video transmission up to {{convert|50|m|order=flip}} away{{r|Army-Technology}}

==Operators==
* {{BHR}} 
* {{EGY}} 
* {{IRQ}}
* {{LTU}} – [[Lithuanian Air Force|LAF]] [[Air Defence Battalion (Lithuania)|Air Defence Battalion]]<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|language=lt|url=https://kariuomene.lt/kas-mes-esame/naujienos/oro-gynyba-tampa-vienu-is-svarbiausiu-aspektu-tiek-atgrasyme-tiek-kariniame-konflikte/25044|title=Oro gynyba tampa vienu iš svarbiausių aspektų tiek atgrasyme, tiek kariniame konflikte|website=kariuomene.lt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lietuvoje vieši JAV Oro pajėgų štabo viršininkas: dar kartą patvirtino geležinį JAV įsipareigojimą Lietuvos saugumui |url=https://www.delfi.lt/a/92084609 |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=DELFI |language=lt}}</ref>
* {{CHI}} 
* {{TWN}} – Avenger batteries have been upgraded integrating [[CS/MPQ-90 Bee Eye]] radars<ref>{{cite web | last = Schichun | first = Wang | date = 2018-07-09 | script-title = zh:台军列装新型防空雷达 无法根治防空孱弱问题 | trans-title = The new air defense radar installed by the Taiwan army cannot solve the problem of weak air defense | url = http://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2018_07_09_463300.shtml | language = zh-cn | work = [[Eric X. Li|Observer Network]] | access-date= 2022-03-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191028214004/http://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2018_07_09_463300.shtml | archive-date = 2019-10-28 | url-status = live }}</ref> 
* {{USA}} – U.S. Army - 453 M1097 Avenger {{as of|January 2025|lc=yes}}<ref name="Military Balance 2025">{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2025 |publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |isbn=978-1-041-04967-8}}</ref>{{rp|37}} and U.S. Marine Corps
* {{UKR}} – 20 were delivered {{as of|2022|alt=from December 2022}} onwards.<ref name="oryx_delivery_of_weapons_in_ukraine_source"/>
* {{flag|Kurdistan Region}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Electronics}}
* [[Anti-aircraft warfare]]
* {{annotated link|Atılgan PMADS}}
* {{annotated link|FIM-92 Stinger}}
* [[United States Army Aviation and Missile Command]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]

===Comparable systems===
* {{lwc|WZ-551#Variants|Type 92 Yitian}}
* {{lwc|Type 93 Surface-to-air missile}}
* {{lwc|9K35 Strela-10}} (SA-13 Gopher)
* {{lwc|9K31 Strela-1}} (SA-9 Gaskin)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/avenger/ U.S. Army Technology Avenger Project Details]
* [https://archive.today/20121212212408/http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/airdefense/avenger.html U.S. Army Fact File] (Archived)
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_american_missile_system_vehicle_uk/avenger_an/twq-1_short-range_missile_air_defense_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_picture.html Army Recognition article]
* [http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/egypt-pulls-a-perfect-macgyver-move-to-defend-its-ships-from-air-attack We Are The Mighty.com news article]

[[Category:Missile defense]]
[[Category:Military electronics of the United States]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons of the United States]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the United States]]
[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the United States]]