Type 91 (Hand Arrow)

4th Generation MANPAD System

Japan | 1994

"The Type 91 is the evolved form of the American Stinger MANPAD system for the Japanese Self-Defense Force."

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Type 91 (Hand Arrow). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Physical
The physical qualities of the Type 91 (Hand Arrow). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,430 mm
56.30 in
O/A Length

1,430 mm
56.30 in
Barrel Length

25.35 lb
11.50 kg
Weight

Solid-Rocket Motor (Missile); InfraRed Homing
Action

80mm
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot; Reusable Launcher Component.
Feed

Integrated Optics.
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Type 91 (Hand Arrow) 4th Generation MANPAD System family line.

Type 91 "Hand Arrow" - Base Series Designation.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/26/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

MANPAD (MAN-Portable Air-Defense) systems provide infantry-level units with a useful short-ranged aircraft deterrent. In the West, the primary weapon fulfilling this role is the American-originated FIM-92 "Stinger" shoulder-fired missile, introduced in 1981 during the Cold War period (1947-1991). Operators of this system proved plenty (mainly U.S. allies) and the series was eventually taken on by the Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) .

In time, the country sought to upgrade its MANPAD capability over that of the Stinger with a more indigenous effort. Thus began a new venture in 1982 with development eventually headed by Toshiba which went on to last over a decade. The resulting weapon, the all-modern Type 91 "Hand Arrow", fits the same form and battlefield function as that of the Stinger system but features improvements, mainly to its guidance system. The Type 91 was formally introduced for service in 1994.

The complete weapon system, weighing 11.5 kilograms, includes the launcher itself made up of the launch tube, optics set, battery pack and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) components. The tube is essentially the full-length of the weapon with open ends and the optics set/battery pack is fitted to the business end. The weapon is rested on the shoulder of the operator prior to firing and requires only a single person. The missile itself makes use of twin rocket motors consisting of an initial "booster" unit and a flight path "sustainer" unit. The former is activated upon launch and expended soon after, allowing the sustainer (the latter) to take over for the duration of the missile's flight. The guidance system involves a seeker-type combination UV/IR homing pairing which improves on the Stinger's targeting, tracking and ultimate kill-probability. When launched, the missile can record speeds up to nearly twice the speed of sound, giving the target little time to react.

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Production of the Type 91 began in 1991 and first-batch units were delivered into 1993. A second run, begun in 2007, is ongoing as of this writing (December 2017) and has produced the Type 91 "Kai" improved variant. The Type 91 Kai has since superseded the original Type 91 models in service. The Type 91 is also featured on the Kawasaki OH-1 "Ninja" light attack helicopter as its primary close-in air-defense weapon and makes up the basis for the Type 93 SAM launcher - both instances showcasing the weapon's versatility in vehicle-mounted form.

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Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Type 91 (Hand Arrow). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Toshiba - Japan

[ Japan ]

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Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.

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Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.

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Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.

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Going Further...
The Type 91 (Hand Arrow) 4th Generation MANPAD System appears in the following collections:

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