Stinger Trooper

### Experience Value

"Deathstrike": 13, 17 (Veteran), 22 (Elite), 30 (Heroic)Thrax and Huchum: 14, 19 (Veteran), 25 (Elite), 33 (Heroic)

### Experience Required

"Deathstrike": 38 (Veteran), 50 (Elite), 67 (Heroic)Thrax and Huchum: 42 (Veteran), 56 (Elite), 74 (Heroic)

### Cost

"Deathstrike" and Huchum: $300Thrax: $350

### Notes

Exists also in motorbike versionSignificantly less effective against ground units

### Upgrades

AP Rockets ("Deathstrike" & Huchum)Chemical Warheads (Thrax)

Silicon Warheads (Thrax)

Anthrax Gamma (Thrax)

Neutralizers (Thrax)

## Introduction

The **Stinger Trooper** is a GLA anti-air infantry unit. Except for Prince Kassad (who probably doesn't need much air defense thanks to his effective camouflage abilities) and General Juhziz, all GLA generals employs these soldiers to protect their skies from enemy aircraft.

## Overview

As The Stinger Site for the original *Zero Hour* game was removed from *Contra* to be replaced by a Quad Cannon Position, the GLA still needed a mobile air-defense as effective and one that would not be too much of an easy target for air strikes or ground attacks. A soldier equiped with a salvaged FIM-92 Stinger missile launcher fitted all these criteria. Furthermore, not only can a Stinger Trooper target aerial units but he can also target ground units, although he will not deal as much damage. One could say that he is a GLA version of the Red Arrow. There is also a Biker version of the unit which benefits more speed and slightly more durability; this is a significant advantage when you want to go for hit'n'run tactics, especially against an enemy known to rely on air superiority.

Be advised however that as an infantry unit, he will be extremely vulnerable to anti-infantry units - and his armament won't save his skin - poisonous areas and artillery shelling. Escort him with other types of units and/or make garrison a building (be careful of anti-garrison units however).

## Assessement

Pros:

* Cheap (300$).
* Very effective against aircraft.
* Can also attack ground targets.
* Can garrison buildings.

Cons:

* Slow.
* Deals mediocre damage to ground targets.
* Weak against anti-infantry units.
* Vulnerable to artillery, toxins and radiations.

### Biker

Pros:

* Relatively cheap unit, can be spammed in large numbers
* Very effective against aircraft.
* Faster and slightly more durable than the infantry variant, which is useful for hit'n'run tactics, especially against American supply Chinooks or Chinese Helixes.
* Can also attack ground targets.

Cons:

* Deals mediocre damage to ground targets.
* Considered as a soldier/vehicle hybrid, therefore weak to both anti-infantry weapons (even dedicated anti-infantry weapons such snipers and microwave) and anti-vehicle weapons.
* Requires an Arms Dealer and an upgrade to produce.

## Trivia

* In real-life, many FIM-92a Stinger MANPADS were exported to Mujahideen rebels in the 1980s to aid their struggle against invading Soviet troops. After the war, the US was unable to retrieve most of them. Many fell into hands of global terrorists. Ironically, some were used against US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thus it's rather fitting to depict them in the hands of the GLA insurgent forces.