Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally interesting original U.S. Vietnam War-era General Dynamics XM41E2 FIM-43 Redeye man-portable surface-to-air missile launcher, an early Block III configuration associated with the developmental period immediately preceding standardization of the Redeye as the M41 system. This is only the second example of this particular designation that we have offered. The launcher is additionally identified or associated with the designation “M41A3,” while its surviving factory data markings specifically identify the system as XM-41E2.

This example is totally inert and incapable of firing, it has been deactivated in accordance with guidelines provided by the ATF and cannot be converted to function making it legal to possess within the United States. This item is not available for export.

The launcher remains in excellent overall condition and retains an impressive amount of its original arsenal-applied markings on both the flip-up sight cover and launcher tube. Particularly noteworthy is the rarely encountered original plastic eyeshield, a component frequently missing from surviving Redeye launchers. The original carrying sling is also present, although there is oxidation to portions of its metal fittings. A marked fabric bag remains attached to the sling but is now severely deteriorated and largely shredded.

This is a fantastic weapon system and is the second of this designation we have ever offered. Like the M72 LAW and AT-4, this XM41E2 is a fire and forget weapon system which was designed to only be fired once. It was designed to never be reloaded and therefore most were discarded and destroyed. Very few are known to exist today.

This is a General Dynamics FIM-43 Redeye, a man-portable surface-to-air missile system. It uses passive infrared homing to track its target. Production began in 1962 and – in anticipation of the Redeye II, which later became the FIM-92 Stinger – ended in the early 1970s (delivery of the last Redeye for the U.S. Army was completed in July 1971) after about 85,000 rounds had been built. The Redeye was withdrawn gradually between 1982 and 1995 as the Stinger was deployed, though it remained in service with various armed forces of the world until quite recently, being supplied via the Foreign Military Sales program. It was initially banned from being sold overseas, to avoid missiles falling into the hands of enemy organizations. However, after the export ban was lifted, the weapon was never actually used against civil aircraft, in contrast with other MANPADS. While the Redeye and 9K32 Strela-2 (SA-7) were similar, the missiles were not identical. Nonetheless, the CIA concluded that the Soviet SA-7 had benefited from Redeye's development.

This example is offered in excellent condition and still retains almost all of the original arsenal markings on the flip up sight cover as well as the launcher tube itself. The launcher retains the original sling with a marked bag attached that is now torn to shreds. There is some oxidation across the fittings of the sling as well. This example retains the rarely-encountered plastic eye shield. 

The markings on the flip up sight cover read:

LOT NO. GDP-32-195
SERIAL NO. 303437
PART NO. 10211285
GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM,
INTERCEPT-AERIAL: XM-41E2

The side of the trigger assembly is stamped:

TEMP -40F
LIMIT +126F

The launcher tube itself has some very faint markings next to some inspection stamps, reading:

MVU55-66AH003
S/N 303437

Development of the Redeye began during the 1950s as the U.S. military sought a lightweight infantry air-defense system capable of engaging increasingly fast jet aircraft. The early Block I system was designated XM41, followed by the improved XM41E1 Block II. During 1965-1966, General Dynamics developed the final XM41E2 Block III configuration, which incorporated further changes to the missile, sighting system, and launcher electronics. Production transitioned to Block III during 1967, and operational deliveries followed during the Vietnam War period.

The Block III missile was eventually standardized as the FIM-43C, while the overall Redeye weapon system became the M41 after reaching standard equipment status in the late 1960s. The FIM-43 Redeye became the first widely fielded American man-portable infrared-guided surface-to-air missile system and was the direct technological predecessor to the later FIM-92 Stinger.

The Redeye used passive infrared guidance and was principally intended to provide infantry formations with a portable defense against low-flying aircraft. Its limitations, particularly against approaching aircraft and under difficult target-background conditions, helped drive development of the substantially improved Redeye II program, which ultimately evolved into the Stinger.

This surviving launcher is particularly desirable for its XM-41E2 factory identification, matching serial number 303437, intact arsenal markings, original sling, and extremely difficult-to-find plastic eyeshield. The degraded sling bag and oxidation to some fittings are consistent with age and storage, but the launcher itself remains exceptionally well preserved. As an inert example of the developmental Block III Redeye configuration, it represents an important stage in the evolution of American shoulder-fired air-defense systems during the Vietnam War era.

Specifications
Length: 1.20 m (3 ft 11.5 in); M171 launcher: 1.26 m (4 ft 1.7 in)
Finspan: 14 cm (5.5 in)
Diameter: 7 cm (2.75 in)
Weight: 8.3 kg (18.3 lb); M171 launcher: 5 kg (11 lb)
Speed: Mach 1.7
Ceiling: 2740 m (9000 ft)
Range: 4500 m (14800 ft)
Propulsion: Atlantic Research M115 solid-fueled rocket motor; consisting of
Booster (Ejector): 3.3 kN (750 lb) for 0.048 s
Sustainer: 1.1 kN (250 lb) for 5.8 s
Warhead: M222 1.06 kg (2.35 lb) blast-fragmentation

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).