manportable

Manportable, often written man-portable, is a term used to describe weapons, devices, or systems that are light enough to be carried and operated by a single person without the need for permanent vehicle support or fixed installation. The concept emphasizes mobility, rapid deployment, and tactical flexibility in field operations.

In a military context, manportable systems include shoulder-fired missiles and launchers, anti-tank weapons, and grenade launchers. They are designed to balance payload, range, accuracy, and ease of use so that a single infantryman can locate, engage, and move after firing. Examples commonly cited are MANPADS such as the FIM-92 Stinger and the Soviet Strela-2, as well as man-portable anti-tank systems like the FGM-148 Javelin and various RPG launchers. These tools enable infantry to extend battlefield reach without vehicles, but they typically require training and support equipment such as targeting sights, batteries, or optic devices.

Outside combat roles, the label can apply to other portable equipment intended for one-person use, such as field radios, sensors, or power generators. Across domains, the design priority is minimal weight, compact form factors, ruggedness, and reliability under adverse conditions.

Historically, the concept matured in the mid-20th century with the development of more compact rocket- and missile-based systems, progressing toward greater portability and effectiveness for individual operators. Safety, training, and legal restrictions govern possession and use, with significant export controls on many man-portable weapons to prevent illicit proliferation.