Type 91 (Hand Arrow)

Type 91 (hand arrow) gradient

The MANPAD (MAN-Portable Air-Defense) system provides infantry-level units with an effective deterrent against short-range aircraft. In the West, the primary weapon that played this role was the American-made FIM-92 Stinger shoulder-launched missile, introduced in 1981 during the Cold War (1947-1991).

It turned out that the operators of the system were numerous (mostly American allies), and the series was eventually adopted by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

Over time, the country has attempted to improve its MANPAD capabilities on the Stinger through more localized efforts. Thus began a new venture in 1982, the development of which was eventually led by Toshiba and continued for over a decade. The resulting weapon, the state-of-the-art Type 91 "Hand Arrow," shares the same form and battlefield function as the Stinger system, but with major improvements to its guidance system.

The Type 91 entered service in 1994.

The complete weapon system weighs 11.5kg, including the launcher itself, including the launch tube, optics, battery pack and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) components. The barrel is basically the full length of the gun, open at both ends, with the optics/battery pack attached to the business end.

The gun rests on the operator's shoulder before firing, requiring only one person. The rocket itself uses two rocket motors, consisting of an initial "booster" unit and a trajectory "maintainer" unit. The former is activated at launch and depleted shortly after, allowing the maintainer (the latter) to take over during the missile's flight. The guidance system includes a seeker-type UV/IR homing pairing that improves Stinger targeting, tracking and eventual kill probability.

When launched, the missile can register speeds up to nearly twice the speed of sound, giving the target little time to react.

Production of the Type 91 began in 1991 and the first units were delivered until 1993. The second round started in 2007, is underway at the time of writing (December 2017), and produced an improved Type 91 "Kai" variant. The Type 91 Kai has since replaced the original Type 91 model in service.

The Type 91 is also used as the primary close-in anti-aircraft weapon in the Kawasaki OH-1 "Ninja" light attack helicopter and forms the basis for the Type 93 SAM launcher - both examples show the weapon's usefulness in vehicle form Versatility.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes