Terrorists and ground launched Missles

[TillEulenspiegel]

Ok question , the US gave dozens of stinger missles to the Muhadageen (SP) in the late seventies and early eighties. Question is ..arn't these weapons perishable like milk? In other words they contain a source of cryogenic gas to cool the sensors that has a finite lifetime like any vessel that contains compressed gas?

So does this mean ( besides the fact they have been draged around in sand for 15+ Yrs.) that they are bascially non-operationable?

 

[BTox]

In other words they contain a source of cryogenic gas to cool the sensors that has a finite lifetime like any vessel that contains compressed gas?

Assuming this is true (I know nothing about the mechanics of stinger missiles), it should not be that difficult to recharge the coolant.

 

[TillEulenspiegel]

Re: Re: Terrorists and ground launched Missles

Assuming this is true (I know nothing about the mechanics of stinger missiles), it should not be that difficult to recharge the coolant.

Ya guy it would be . None of this technology is off the shelf stuff, so it's not like refilling air tanks for scuba the composition and charectistics of the coolent remain classified . The sentisive electronics is also an issue.

 

[Bikewer]

There was an NPR segment on this that indicated that they indeed have a "shelf life" and most of the ones issued to the anti-Soviet forces would, at best, be highly unreliable.

They are kept as status symbols and trophies; there's a long-standing weapons culture there.