What does the term "fire-and-forget" mean in relation to the Stinger missile?

The term "fire-and-forget" in relation to the Stinger missile refers to the capability of the missile to independently home in on its target after it has been launched. This means that once the missile is fired, the operator does not need to maintain guidance or make adjustments; the missile is equipped with its own guidance system that allows it to track and engage the target autonomously. This characteristic makes the Stinger highly effective, as it frees the operator to take cover or engage other threats, enhancing overall operational effectiveness in combat scenarios.

In contrast, the other options describe different functionalities or characteristics that do not align with the "fire-and-forget" specification. For instance, the need for constant adjustment after launch contradicts the autonomous guidance feature. The notion of being used only once doesn’t convey any specific tactical advantage or capability inherent to the missile's design. Finally, firing without prior targeting doesn't accurately describe the operational context of the Stinger, as it still requires the identification of a target before the missile is launched.