US Army AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Mobile Air Defence System.

AN/TWQ-1 Avenger is a vehicle-mounted short-range air defence (SHORAD) system developed by Boeing as a privately funded project during the Cold War. Designed to protect ground forces from low-altitude threats such as Soviet Mi-24 Hind helicopters and Su-25 Frogfoot ground attack aircraft. Avenger entered US Army service in 1990 following trials in the mid-1980s, replacing earlier gun-based systems. The Avenger has since been adopted by the US Marine Corps and exported to several allied nations; a small number were supplied to Ukraine, becoming operational in early 2023. Over 1,100 systems were produced, with several hundred still in active and in National Guard service.
Mounted on M1097 "Heavy" HMMWV chassis variants, the Avenger carries a pedestal-mounted launcher with eight FIM-92 Stinger missiles, compatible with all missile versions and capable of day-night, all-weather operation. The Stinger is an infrared-guided, fire-and-forget weapon with supersonic speed and a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, offering engagement ranges of several kilometres depending on the variant. The Avenger can fire while stationary or moving and demonstrated a high success rate during testing, with onboard reloads allowing for rapid re-engagement.

In addition to missiles, the system is armed with an FN M3P .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun, a high-rate-of-fire variant designed specifically for the turret. The system is operated by a two-person crew using an automated fire-control suite combining optical and infrared sensors, IFF (Identification Friend or Foe), and optional radar cueing. Powered by a 6.5-litre diesel engine and featuring all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and central tyre inflation system, Avenger offers strong cross-country mobility. It ultimately outlasted heavier platforms such as the M6 Bradley Linebacker, which was retired in the mid-2000s as air defence priorities shifted, though the Avenger has seen a significant resurgence in relevance due to the modern proliferation of cruise missiles and loitering munitions.

All new tooling HMMWV & Avenger PMS turret. Build options for US Army, US Marine Corps, Ukrainian Armed Forces, ROC Army. Two versions of Control Display Terminal (CDT), two versions of front bumper. New tooling FIM-92 Stinger launcher tube and missile/eject motor. New tooling M3P .50 cal machine gun. Launcher pod interior detail (basic), Avenger PMS turret interior detail. Photo-etch parts.

Box code: AF35358.
Box description: AN/TWQ-1 Avenger.

1:35 scale plastic model kit from AFV Club, requires paint and glue.