AGM-114 Hellfire
Encyclopedia
The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile
(ASM) developed primarily for anti-armor
use. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike capability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100 lb-class air-to-ground precision weapon for the armed forces of the United States and many other nations. The HELLFIRE name comes from its original intention as a helicopter
-launched fire-and-forget
weapon (HELicopter Launched FIRE-and-forget).
The AGM-114 Hellfire is a combat-proven tactical missile system. The missile has been in combat use since the mid-1980s.
- and fixed-wing aircraft
, waterborne vessels and land-based systems against a variety of targets.
The development of the Hellfire Missile System began in 1974 with the U.S. Army
requirement for a "tank-buster
", launched from helicopter
s to defeat armored fighting vehicles. Production of the AGM-114A started in 1982. The Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) launch phase of the AGM-114B took place in 1984. The DT&E on the AGM-114K was completed in Fiscal Year (FY)93 and FY94. AGM-114M did not require a DT&E because it is the same as the AGM-114K except for the warhead. Most variants are laser guided
with one, AGM-114L "Longbow Hellfire", being radar guided. Laser guidance can be provided either from the launcher, such as the nose-mounted opto-electronics of the AH-64 Apache
attack helicopter, other airborne target designators or from ground based observers, the latter two options allowing the launcher to break line of sight with the target and seek cover.
The Hellfire II, developed in the early 1990s is a modular missile system with several variants for maximum battlefield flexibility. Hellfire II's semi-active laser variants—AGM-114K high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), AGM-114KII with external blast frag sleeve, AGM-114M (blast fragmentation), and AGM-114N metal augmented charge
(MAC)—achieve pinpoint accuracy by homing in on a reflected laser beam aimed at the target. Predator and Reaper
UCAVs
carry the Hellfire II, but the most common platform is the AH-64 Apache
helicopter gunship, which can carry up to 16 of the missiles at once. The AGM-114L, or Longbow Hellfire, is a fire-and-forget
weapon: equipped with a millimeter wave (MMW) radar seeker
, it requires no further guidance after launch—even being able to lock-on to its target after launch—and can hit its target without the launcher or other friendly unit being in line of sight of the target. It also provides capability in adverse weather and battlefield obscurants (obscurants such as smoke and fog being able to mask the position of the target or to prevent the designating laser from producing a detectable reflection). Each Hellfire weighs 47 kg / 106 pounds, including the 9 kg / 20 pound warhead, and has a range of 8,000 meters. By late 2007, some 21,000 Hellfire IIs have been built since 1990, at a cost of about $68,000 each.
The Joint Common Missile (JCM) was to replace Hellfire II (along with the AGM-65 Maverick
) by around 2011. The JCM was developed with a tri-mode seeker and a multi-purpose warhead that would combine the capabilities of the several Hellfire variants. In the budget for FY2006, the U.S. Department of Defense
canceled a number of projects that they felt no longer warranted continuation based on their cost effectiveness, including the JCM. A possible new JCM successor called the Joint Air to Ground Missile
(JAGM) is under consideration.
, Operation Desert Storm
in Persian Gulf, Operation Allied Force
in Yugoslavia
, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where they have been fired successfully from Apache
and Super Cobra
attack helicopter
s, Kiowa
scout helicopters, and Predator unmanned combat air vehicle
s (UCAVs).
From 2001 to 2007, the U.S. military fired over 6,000 Hellfires in combat. It has found the missile effective in urban areas, as the relatively small warhead reduces the risk of civilian casualties.
The only known operational air-to-air kill with a Hellfire took place on May 24, 2001. A civilian Cessna 152
aircraft entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon
, with unknown intentions and refusing to answer or comply with ATC
repeated warnings to turn back. Fearing a terrorist attack, an Israeli Air Force
AH-64A helicopter fired upon the Cessna, resulting in its complete disintegration, and the death of Estephan Nicolian, a student pilot.
In 2008, the usage of the AGM-114N variant caused controversy in the United Kingdom when it was discovered that these thermobaric munitions were added to the British Army arsenal in secrecy. Thermobaric weapons have been condemned by human rights groups. The UK Ministry of Defence
refers to the AGM-114N an "enhanced blast weapon".
The AGM-114 has been used by Israel
and the United States
among others to kill high profile enemies, for example Hamas
leader Ahmed Yassin
in 2004 and Anwar al-Awlaki
, an American-born cleric and Al Qaeda leader, in Yemen in 2011. As with all weapon systems, attacks of this type have also resulted in civilian deaths.
. Sweden and Norway use the Hellfire for coastal defense, and Norway has conducted tests with Hellfire launchers on Protector M151
remotely-controlled weapon systems mounted on the Stridsbåt 90 coastal assault boat.
AGM-114B/C Basic Hellfire
AGM-114D/E Basic Hellfire
AGM-114F Interim Hellfire
AGM-114G Interim Hellfire
AGM-114H Interim Hellfire
AGM-114J Hellfire II
AGM-114K Hellfire II
AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire
AGM-114M Hellfire II
AGM-114N Hellfire II
AGM-114P Hellfire II
ATM-114Q Hellfire II
AGM-114R Hellfire II
AGM-114S Hellfire II
AGM-114T Hellfire II
Air-to-surface missile
An air-to-surface missile is a missile designed to be launched from military aircraft and strike ground targets on land, at sea, or both...
(ASM) developed primarily for anti-armor
Anti-tank warfare
Anti-tank warfare was created by the need to seek technology and tactics to destroy tanks and their supporting infantry during the First World War...
use. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike capability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100 lb-class air-to-ground precision weapon for the armed forces of the United States and many other nations. The HELLFIRE name comes from its original intention as a helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
-launched fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget is a third-generation method of missile guidance. The military uses the term for a type of missile which does not require further guidance after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance , and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the...
weapon (HELicopter Launched FIRE-and-forget).
The AGM-114 Hellfire is a combat-proven tactical missile system. The missile has been in combat use since the mid-1980s.
Description
The Hellfire today is a comprehensive weapon system, one that can be deployed from rotaryRotorcraft
A rotorcraft or rotary wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine that uses lift generated by wings, called rotor blades, that revolve around a mast. Several rotor blades mounted to a single mast are referred to as a rotor. The International Civil Aviation Organization defines a rotorcraft...
- and fixed-wing aircraft
Fixed-wing aircraft
A fixed-wing aircraft is an aircraft capable of flight using wings that generate lift due to the vehicle's forward airspeed. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft in which wings rotate about a fixed mast and ornithopters in which lift is generated by flapping wings.A powered...
, waterborne vessels and land-based systems against a variety of targets.
The development of the Hellfire Missile System began in 1974 with the U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
requirement for a "tank-buster
Anti-tank warfare
Anti-tank warfare was created by the need to seek technology and tactics to destroy tanks and their supporting infantry during the First World War...
", launched from helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s to defeat armored fighting vehicles. Production of the AGM-114A started in 1982. The Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) launch phase of the AGM-114B took place in 1984. The DT&E on the AGM-114K was completed in Fiscal Year (FY)93 and FY94. AGM-114M did not require a DT&E because it is the same as the AGM-114K except for the warhead. Most variants are laser guided
Laser guidance
Laser guidance is a technique of guiding a missile or other projectile or vehicle to a target by means of a laser beam. Some laser guided systems utilise beam riding guidance, but most operate more similarly to semi-active radar homing . This technique is sometimes called SALH, for Semi-Active...
with one, AGM-114L "Longbow Hellfire", being radar guided. Laser guidance can be provided either from the launcher, such as the nose-mounted opto-electronics of the AH-64 Apache
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
attack helicopter, other airborne target designators or from ground based observers, the latter two options allowing the launcher to break line of sight with the target and seek cover.
The Hellfire II, developed in the early 1990s is a modular missile system with several variants for maximum battlefield flexibility. Hellfire II's semi-active laser variants—AGM-114K high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), AGM-114KII with external blast frag sleeve, AGM-114M (blast fragmentation), and AGM-114N metal augmented charge
Thermobaric weapon
A thermobaric weapon, which includes the type known as a "fuel-air bomb", is an explosive weapon that produces a blast wave of a significantly longer duration than those produced by condensed explosives. This is useful in military applications where its longer duration increases the numbers of...
(MAC)—achieve pinpoint accuracy by homing in on a reflected laser beam aimed at the target. Predator and Reaper
MQ-9 Reaper
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle , capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the CIA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Royal...
UCAVs
Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
An unmanned combat air vehicle or combat drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is designed to deliver weapons without an onboard pilot. Currently operational UCAVs are under real-time human control, but future version may enable autonomous operation, for example with pre-programmed route and...
carry the Hellfire II, but the most common platform is the AH-64 Apache
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
helicopter gunship, which can carry up to 16 of the missiles at once. The AGM-114L, or Longbow Hellfire, is a fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget is a third-generation method of missile guidance. The military uses the term for a type of missile which does not require further guidance after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance , and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the...
weapon: equipped with a millimeter wave (MMW) radar seeker
Active radar homing
Active radar homing is a missile guidance method in which a guided missile contains a radar transceiver and the electronics necessary for it to find and track its target autonomously...
, it requires no further guidance after launch—even being able to lock-on to its target after launch—and can hit its target without the launcher or other friendly unit being in line of sight of the target. It also provides capability in adverse weather and battlefield obscurants (obscurants such as smoke and fog being able to mask the position of the target or to prevent the designating laser from producing a detectable reflection). Each Hellfire weighs 47 kg / 106 pounds, including the 9 kg / 20 pound warhead, and has a range of 8,000 meters. By late 2007, some 21,000 Hellfire IIs have been built since 1990, at a cost of about $68,000 each.
The Joint Common Missile (JCM) was to replace Hellfire II (along with the AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-65 Maverick
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close-air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities....
) by around 2011. The JCM was developed with a tri-mode seeker and a multi-purpose warhead that would combine the capabilities of the several Hellfire variants. In the budget for FY2006, the U.S. Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
canceled a number of projects that they felt no longer warranted continuation based on their cost effectiveness, including the JCM. A possible new JCM successor called the Joint Air to Ground Missile
Joint Air to Ground Missile
The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile is a U.S. military program to develop an air-to-surface missile to replace the current BGM-71 TOW, AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles...
(JAGM) is under consideration.
Combat history
Since being fielded, Hellfire missiles have proven their effectiveness in combat in Operation Just Cause in PanamaPanama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, Operation Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
in Persian Gulf, Operation Allied Force
Operation Allied Force
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
in Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where they have been fired successfully from Apache
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
and Super Cobra
AH-1 SuperCobra
The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the US Army's AH-1 Cobra. The twin Cobra family includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra...
attack helicopter
Attack helicopter
An attack helicopter is a military helicopter with the primary role of an attack aircraft, with the capability of engaging targets on the ground, such as enemy infantry and armored vehicles...
s, Kiowa
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
scout helicopters, and Predator unmanned combat air vehicle
Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
An unmanned combat air vehicle or combat drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is designed to deliver weapons without an onboard pilot. Currently operational UCAVs are under real-time human control, but future version may enable autonomous operation, for example with pre-programmed route and...
s (UCAVs).
From 2001 to 2007, the U.S. military fired over 6,000 Hellfires in combat. It has found the missile effective in urban areas, as the relatively small warhead reduces the risk of civilian casualties.
The only known operational air-to-air kill with a Hellfire took place on May 24, 2001. A civilian Cessna 152
Cessna 152
The Cessna 152 is an American two-seat, fixed tricycle gear, general aviation airplane, used primarily for flight training and personal use.-Development:...
aircraft entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, with unknown intentions and refusing to answer or comply with ATC
Air traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
repeated warnings to turn back. Fearing a terrorist attack, an Israeli Air Force
Israeli Air Force
The Israeli Air Force is the air force of the State of Israel and the aerial arm of the Israel Defense Forces. It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence...
AH-64A helicopter fired upon the Cessna, resulting in its complete disintegration, and the death of Estephan Nicolian, a student pilot.
In 2008, the usage of the AGM-114N variant caused controversy in the United Kingdom when it was discovered that these thermobaric munitions were added to the British Army arsenal in secrecy. Thermobaric weapons have been condemned by human rights groups. The UK Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
refers to the AGM-114N an "enhanced blast weapon".
The AGM-114 has been used by Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
among others to kill high profile enemies, for example Hamas
Hamas
Hamas is the Palestinian Sunni Islamic or Islamist political party that governs the Gaza Strip. Hamas also has a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades...
leader Ahmed Yassin
Ahmed Yassin
Sheikh Ahmed Ismail Hassan Yassin was a founder of Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian paramilitary organization and political party. Yassin also served as the spiritual leader of the organization...
in 2004 and Anwar al-Awlaki
Anwar al-Awlaki
Anwar al-Awlaki was an American and Yemeni imam who was an engineer and educator by training. According to U.S. government officials, he was a senior talent recruiter and motivator who was involved with planning operations for the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda...
, an American-born cleric and Al Qaeda leader, in Yemen in 2011. As with all weapon systems, attacks of this type have also resulted in civilian deaths.
Manned helicopters
- AH-1W SuperCobra
- AH-1Z ViperAH-1Z ViperThe Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, that was developed for the United States Marine Corps. The AH-1Z features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system. The AH-1Z is part of the...
- AH-64 ApacheAH-64 ApacheThe Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
- Agusta A129 Mangusta
- Eurocopter TigerEurocopter TigerThe Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.-Origins:...
- SH-60 / MH-60R / MH-60S Seahawk
- OH-58D Kiowa WarriorOH-58 KiowaThe Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
- RAH-66 ComancheRAH-66 ComancheThe Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced five-blade armed reconnaissance and attack helicopter designed for the United States Army. The RAH-66 program was canceled in 2004, before mass production began, after nearly $7 billion was spent on the program.During the early 1980s, the U.S...
- AH-6 Little Bird
- UH-60 Blackhawk
- Westland WAH-64 ApacheWestland WAH-64 ApacheThe AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army's Army Air Corps. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters at Yeovil, Somerset in England from...
Unmanned aircraft
- MQ-1B Predator
- MQ-9 ReaperMQ-9 ReaperThe General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle , capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the CIA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Royal...
- Predator CGeneral Atomics Avenger-External links:* *...
- MQ-1C Grey EagleMQ-1C Warrior|-See also:-External links:* * * * *...
Experimental platforms
The system has been tested for use on the Humvee and the Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV). Test shots have also been fired from a C-130 HerculesC-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
. Sweden and Norway use the Hellfire for coastal defense, and Norway has conducted tests with Hellfire launchers on Protector M151
Protector M151
The M151 PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station is a remotely-controlled weapons station that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms...
remotely-controlled weapon systems mounted on the Stridsbåt 90 coastal assault boat.
Variants
AGM-114A Basic Hellfire- Target: Tanks, armored vehicles.
- Range: 8,000 m (8,750 yd)
- Guidance: Semi-active laser homingLaser guidanceLaser guidance is a technique of guiding a missile or other projectile or vehicle to a target by means of a laser beam. Some laser guided systems utilise beam riding guidance, but most operate more similarly to semi-active radar homing . This technique is sometimes called SALH, for Semi-Active...
(SALH). - WarheadWarheadThe term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...
: 8 kg (18 lb) shaped chargeShaped chargeA shaped charge is an explosive charge shaped to focus the effect of the explosive's energy. Various types are used to cut and form metal, to initiate nuclear weapons, to penetrate armor, and in the oil and gas industry...
HEATHeatIn physics and thermodynamics, heat is energy transferred from one body, region, or thermodynamic system to another due to thermal contact or thermal radiation when the systems are at different temperatures. It is often described as one of the fundamental processes of energy transfer between...
. - Length: 163 cm (64 in)
- Weight: 45 kg (99 lb)
AGM-114B/C Basic Hellfire
- M120E1 low smoke motor.
- AGM-114B has electronic SAD (Safe/Arming Device) for safe shipboard use.
- Unit cost: $25,000
AGM-114D/E Basic Hellfire
- Proposed upgrade of AGM-114B/C with digital autopilot—not built.
AGM-114F Interim Hellfire
- Target: Tanks, armored vehicles.
- Range: 7,000 m (7,650 yd)
- Guidance: Semi-active laser homing.
- Warhead: 9 kg (20 lb) tandem shaped chargeTandem-chargeA tandem-charge weapon is an explosive device or projectile that has two or more stages of detonation. It is effective against cage armor, which is designed to protect an armored vehicle against anti-tank munitions. The first stage of the weapon triggers the reactive armor of the target, limiting...
HEAT. - Length: 180 cm (71 in)
- Weight: 48.5 kg (107 lb)
AGM-114G Interim Hellfire
- Proposed version of AGM-114F with SAD—not built.
AGM-114H Interim Hellfire
- Proposed upgrade of AGM-114F with digital autopilot—not built.
AGM-114J Hellfire II
- Proposed version of AGM-114F with lighter components, shorter airframe, and increased range—not built.
AGM-114K Hellfire II
- Target: All armored threats
- Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
- Guidance:
- Semi-active laser homing with Electro-optical countermeasures hardening
- Digital autopilot improvements allow target reacquisition after lost laser lock
- New electronic SAD
- Warhead: 9 kg (20 lb) tandem shaped charge HEAT
- Length: 163 cm (64 in)
- Weight: 45.4 kg (100 lb)
- Unit cost: $65,000
- Essentially the proposed AGM-114J w/ SAD
AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire
- Target: All armored threats
- Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
- Guidance:
- Fire and forget Millimeter wave radar seeker coupled with Inertial guidance
- Homing capability in adverse weather and the presence of battlefield obscurants
- Warhead: 9 kg (20 lb) tandem shaped charge high explosive anti-tank (HEAT)
- Length: 176 cm (69.2 in)
- Weight: 49 kg (108 lb)
AGM-114M Hellfire II
- Target: BunkersBunker busterA bunker buster is a bomb designed to penetrate hardened targets or targets buried deep underground.-Germany:Röchling shells were bunker-busting artillery shells, developed by German engineer August Cönders, based on the theory of increasing sectional density to improve penetration.They were tested...
, light vehicles, urbanUrban warfareUrban warfare is combat conducted in urban areas such as towns and cities. Urban combat is very different from combat in the open at both the operational and tactical level...
(soft) targets and caves - Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
- Guidance:
- Semi-active laser homing
- Warhead: Blast fragmentation/incendiary
- Weight: 48.2 kg (106 lb)
- Length: 163 cm (64 in)
AGM-114N Hellfire II
- Target: Enclosures, ships, urban targets, air defense units
- Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
- Guidance:
- Semi-active laser homing
- Warhead: Metal augmented charge (MAC) (Thermobaric)
- Weight: 48 kg (105 lb)
- Length: 163 cm (64 in)
AGM-114P Hellfire II
- Version of AGM-114K optimized for use from UCAVsUnmanned Combat Air VehicleAn unmanned combat air vehicle or combat drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is designed to deliver weapons without an onboard pilot. Currently operational UCAVs are under real-time human control, but future version may enable autonomous operation, for example with pre-programmed route and...
flying at high altitude.
ATM-114Q Hellfire II
- Practice version of AGM-114N with inert warhead.
AGM-114R Hellfire II
- Version optimized for use from UCAVsUnmanned Combat Air VehicleAn unmanned combat air vehicle or combat drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is designed to deliver weapons without an onboard pilot. Currently operational UCAVs are under real-time human control, but future version may enable autonomous operation, for example with pre-programmed route and...
(increased engagement envelope) - Target: BunkersBunker busterA bunker buster is a bomb designed to penetrate hardened targets or targets buried deep underground.-Germany:Röchling shells were bunker-busting artillery shells, developed by German engineer August Cönders, based on the theory of increasing sectional density to improve penetration.They were tested...
, light vehicles, urbanUrban warfareUrban warfare is combat conducted in urban areas such as towns and cities. Urban combat is very different from combat in the open at both the operational and tactical level...
(soft) targets and caves - Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
- Guidance:
- Semi-active laser homing
- Warhead: Integrated Blast Frag Sleeve (IBFS) (combine blast fragmentation and fragment dispersion).
- Weight: 50 kg (110 lb)
- Speed : Mach 1.3
AGM-114S Hellfire II
- Practice version of AGM-114K with a spotting charge instead of a warhead.
AGM-114T Hellfire II
- AGM-114R with insensitive munition rocket motor and electromagnetic control actuators.
Rocket motor
- Contractor: Alliant TechsystemsAlliant TechsystemsAlliant Techsystems Inc., most commonly known by its ticker symbol, ', is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and 2010 revenues in excess of an estimated...
- Designation:
- M120E3 (Army)
- M120E4 (Navy)
- Main features:
- Qualified minimum smoke propellant
- Rod and tube grain design
- NeopreneNeopreneNeoprene or polychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene in general has good chemical stability, and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range...
bondline system
- Performance:
- Operating temperatureOperating temperatureAn operating temperature is the temperature at which an electrical or mechanical device operates. The device will operate effectively within a specified temperature range which varies based on the device function and application context, and ranges from the minimum operating temperature to the...
: −43 °C to 63 °C (−45 °F to 145 °F) - Storage temperature: −43 °C to 71 °C (−45 °F to 160 °F)
- Service life: 20+ years (estimated)
- Operating temperature
- Technical data:
- Weight: 14.2 kg (31.3 lb)
- Length: 59.3 cm (23.35 in)
- Diameter: 18 cm (7.0 in)
- Case: 7075-T73 aluminum
- Insulator: R-181 aramid fiberAramidAramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an asbestos substitute. The name is a portmanteau of "aromatic polyamide"...
-filled EPDM - Nozzle: Cellulose phenolic
- Propellant: Minimum smoke cross linked double based (XLDB)
See also
- Brimstone missileBrimstone missileBrimstone is an air-launched anti-tank missile developed by MBDA for Britain's Royal Air Force. It was originally intended for "fire and forget" use against mass formations of enemy armour, using a millimetre wave seeker to ensure accuracy even against moving targets...
- MokopaMokopaThe Mokopa is a South African air-to-ground missile, designed primarily for use as an anti-tank weapon. It is currently in its final stages of development, and is being integrated onto the South African Air Force's Rooivalk attack helicopters. The missile is produced by Denel Dynamics, formerly...
- AGM-169 Joint Common Missile
- Euromissile HOTEuromissile HOTThe HOT is a second-generation long-range anti-tank missile system developed originally as an effort to meet a joint German-French Army requirement, by the then German firm Bolkow and the French firm Nord, to replace the older SS.11 wire guided...
- PARS 3 LR
- NagNag missileNag is a Fourth generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile developed in India. It is one of five missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program...
- List of missiles
- U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
- AN/PAQ-1AN/PAQ-1thumb|The SEAL on the right is holding an AN/PAQ-1 LTDThe AN/PAQ-1 is a near infrared laser rangefinder/designator used by forward observers to obtain target range and designate targets. It is a lightweight, handheld, battery operated laser device...
- Direct Attack Guided RocketDirect Attack Guided RocketThe Direct Attack Guided Rocket is a weapons system under development by Lockheed Martin. The program goal is to provide a low cost 2.75 inch precision guided rocket which is compatible with existing Hellfire II systems and launchers in service...
- UMTASUMTASUMTAS is a long range air-to-surface anti-tank missile developed by Turkish armor and missile manufacturer Roketsan.-Background:...
- Griffin (missile)Griffin (missile)The Griffin is a short-range air-to-surface missile developed by Raytheon for UAVs. It is tube-launched, with a 5.5 inches diameter, weighs 45 pounds, and has a semi-active laser seeker. It has a 13-lb warhead, smaller than the Hellfire typically used by armed UAVs, which has the effect of reducing...
- Targeted killingTargeted killingTargeted killing is the deliberate, specific targeting and killing, by a government or its agents, of a supposed terrorist or of a supposed "unlawful combatant" who is not in that government's custody...
External links
- more detailed description on FAS
- http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/HellfireII/
- http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/LongbowFireControlRadarMissile
- Designation Systems
- Global Security
- Archived copyInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
of Navy Fact File - Janes.com
- Hellfire Detailed Description and Images