AFV Club Plastic Model Kit

US Army AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Mobile Air Defence System (1/35)

This 1/35 scale AN/TWQ-1 Avenger from AFV Club recreates the US Army’s vehicle-mounted short-range air defence system mounted on the M1097 Heavy HMMWV chassis. Designed to counter low-altitude threats such as helicopters, ground attack aircraft, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, the Avenger combines mobility with rapid-response firepower in a compact platform.

The kit features all-new tooling for both the HMMWV and Avenger PMS turret, along with newly tooled FIM-92 Stinger launcher tubes and missiles, plus the M3P .50 calibre machine gun. Interior detail is included for the launcher pod (basic) and Avenger turret, supported by photo-etched parts for enhanced realism. Multiple build options allow different configurations depending on operator and period.

• 1/35 scale plastic model kit
• All-new tooling HMMWV and Avenger PMS turret
• Pedestal-mounted launcher with eight FIM-92 Stinger missiles
• New tooling Stinger launcher tubes and eject motors
• New tooling M3P .50 calibre machine gun
• Basic launcher pod interior and Avenger turret interior detail
• Two versions of Control Display Terminal (CDT)
• Two front bumper options
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Build options for US Army, US Marine Corps, Ukrainian Armed Forces, and ROC Army

History

The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger was developed during the Cold War as a privately funded Boeing project to provide highly mobile short-range air defence for ground forces. Entering US Army service in 1990 after trials in the mid-1980s, it replaced earlier gun-based systems and was designed specifically to counter low-flying threats such as attack helicopters and strike aircraft.

Mounted on the M1097 Heavy HMMWV chassis, the Avenger carries eight infrared-guided FIM-92 Stinger missiles capable of engaging targets day or night in all weather conditions. These fire-and-forget missiles offer supersonic speed and high-explosive fragmentation warheads, while onboard reloads allow rapid re-engagement. Complementing the missile armament is an FN M3P .50 calibre machine gun, providing close-range defence.

Operated by a two-person crew, the system uses an automated fire-control suite combining optical and infrared sensors with IFF capability and optional radar cueing. With all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and central tyre inflation, the Avenger delivers strong cross-country mobility. Over 1,100 systems were produced, with several hundred still in active and National Guard service.

Although heavier platforms such as the M6 Bradley Linebacker were retired in the mid-2000s, the Avenger has remained in service and has seen renewed relevance in recent conflicts due to the growing threat from drones and cruise missiles. A small number were supplied to Ukraine in early 2023, returning the system to frontline operational use.