SA-7

The 9K32 “Strela-2” (Russian 9К32 “Cтрела-2”—arrow; NATO reporting name SA-7 Grail) is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system with a high explosive warhead and passive infrared homing guidance. Broadly comparable in performance and inspired by the earlier US Army FIM-43 Redeye, it was the first generation of Soviet man-portable SAMs, entering service in 1968, with series production starting in 1970.

Described by one expert as being "the premier Russian export line", the Strela and its variants have seen widespread use in nearly every regional conflict since 1968.

The missile launcher system consists of the green missile launch tube containing the missile, a grip stock and a cylindrical thermal battery. The launch tube is reloadable at depot, but missile rounds are delivered to fire units in their launch tubes. The device can be reloaded up to five times.

When engaging slow or straight-receding targets, the operator tracks the target with the iron sights in the launch tube and applies half-trigger. This action "uncages" the seeker and allows its attempt to track. If target IR signature can be tracked against the background present, this is indicated by a green light and a buzzer sound. The shooter then pulls the trigger fully, and immediately applies lead and superelevation. This method is called a manual engagement. An automatic mode, which is used against fast targets, allows the shooter to fully depress the trigger in one pull followed by immediate lead and superelevation of the launch tube. The seeker will uncage and will automatically launch the missile if a strong enough signal is detected.

In Project Reality, the SA-7 appears as the main MANPAD for OPFOR factions. The SA-7 has a shorter effective range and speed than its BLURFOR counterpart, the FIM-92A Stinger.

Variants

 * SA-7
 * Used by Hamas, Taliban, Russia, Insurgents, Militia, ARF, MEC, NVA, and Argentina
 * Original Russian Design
 * QW-2
 * Used by PLA
 * Chinese Copy

Trivia

 * The SA-7 and QW-2 perform equally