Context:
India recently concluded a deal with the US for the procurement of 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
AGM-114 Hellfire Missile
The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is a prominent tactical weapon extensively used by the United States and its allies for precision targeting, particularly in modern warfare scenarios. Below are the key features and developments related to the Hellfire missile system:
Key Features of the AGM-114 Hellfire Missile:
- Type and Usage: The Hellfire is a short-range air-to-ground missile, occasionally used in air-to-air roles. It is laser-guided and subsonic, designed primarily for tactical missions.
- Development: Initiated in 1972, the Hellfire was developed to meet the U.S. Army’s need for an effective anti-tank weapon against Soviet armor, reflecting the Cold War military dynamics.
- Targets: It is engineered to engage a variety of targets including armored vehicles like tanks, structures such as bunkers, radar and communication systems, and even hovering helicopters.
- Platforms: The missile is commonly deployed from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the MQ-1B Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and MQ-1C Grey Eagle, illustrating its versatility in unmanned operations.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: The missile measures 1.62 meters in length, has a diameter of 17.7 cm, and a wingspan of 0.71 meters.
- Weight: It weighs between 45.4 kg and 49 kg, equipped with a multipurpose warhead weighing between 8 kg and 9 kg.
- Propulsion: Powered by a single-stage solid-propellant rocket motor.
- Velocity and Range: It can reach speeds up to 950 mph, with an operational range of 7 to 11 kilometers.
AGM-114R Hellfire Romeo:
- Latest Variant: The AGM-114R, also known as Hellfire Romeo, represents the most advanced model in the Hellfire II series.
- Enhanced Capabilities: This variant consolidates the functionalities of previous Hellfire models, designed to address diverse target requirements with a single missile type.
- Launch Platforms: It can be launched from multiple platforms including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, surface ships, and ground vehicles, underscoring its adaptability in different combat scenarios.
- Guidance System: It features a semi-active laser guidance system that ensures precision in targeting.
- Warhead: Equipped with an integrated blast fragmentation sleeve warhead, enhancing its effectiveness against a variety of target types that previously required multiple Hellfire variants to engage.
-Source: The Hindu
