The US Army has successfully completed its first Beyond Visual Range engagement for the Stinger missile. An Avenger crew from the 3rd Battalion of the 62nd Air Defense Artillery (part of the 10th Mountain Division) conducted the test at Fort Bliss. A QH50 small-scale target drone was shot down "at the extreme range of the missile". The launcher had been given a cue to the incoming target by a separate radar unit. This effectively doubles the range of the Stinger missile used to defend Army ground units.--Stephen V Cole