Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher

Type	WEAPON
Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher
Weapon class	Heavy weapons
Ammunition capacity	1 rocket
Appears in	GTA San Andreas

The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher, sometimes referred as STINGER, is a handheld weapon in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Unlike the Rocket Launcher, the Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher automatically selects the nearest available target. It is based on the 9K38 Igla man-portable SAM. It also resembles an FIM-92 Stinger Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS for short). When pointed at a vehicle the marker is green. After waiting for 3–5 seconds it turns red and the missile is locked on. It then tracks toward the target, making it useful for taking out air vehicles, such as Police Mavericks.

Locations

Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher's locations map

• Easter Bay International Airport, San Fierro - Between the fuel canisters
• Tierra Robada - Inside Mike Toreno's ranch upon completion of Vertical Bird
• Aldea Malvada, Tierra Robada - Beside an abandoned house
• Pilson Intersection, Las Venturas - On the northeast corner of the roof of a parking lot southwest of the intersection

See also

• Rocket Launcher
• Surface-to-Air Missile (at Area 69 and Easter Basin Naval Station)
• Flamethrower
• Minigun

Trivia

• Hydras also have heat-seeking missiles.
• As it is a heavy weapon, the player is unable to sprint or jump when using the weapon.
• The heat-seeking rocket launcher based on Russian 9K38.
• If shot launched without finding a target, after 100–200 metres, the rocket explodes. However, if chasing a target, but the target disappears before the rocket could reach it, the rocket will keep on flying until it disappears. (e.g. firing on Dodos or Rustlers.)
• The sign of the rocket on the map is a small white blip, comparing altitude with the player as normal.
• When firing on a government vehicle (e.g. Ranger), you will automatically receive one star before the explosion, no matter if the rocket hits or not.
• They are used by the NOOSE in The Ballad of Gay Tony, although the player can not access them in any way. It has been speculated that the "heat seeking" rockets are just rocket projectiles spawned and scripted to aim for Luis's vehicle, together with officers wielding RPGs to create the effect.
• The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher (along with the normal RPG) is the only weapon which you can't aim and shoot with while being on fire. Instead, CJ will start making movements similar to using a Shotgun.
• Unlike the Hydra and SAM rockets, this type of Heat-Seeking rocket can destroy any vehicle instantly.
• This weapon is most used in multiplayer due to the high damage it causes and its ability to chase a target. Because of this, the weapon is considered overpowered and it is banned in most mulitplayer servers.

Gallery

The HUD icon for this weapon.

A Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher.

The Heat-Seeking target.

A Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher in Aldea Malvada, with a Sparrow in the background.

A Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher at the San Fierro Airport between two tanks, with a Super GT.