How the AGM-114 Hellfire Missile Enhances Combat Accuracy

The AGM-114 Hellfire Missile is a versatile American missile initially designed for anti-armor purposes but later adapted for precision strikes, particularly from drones, against various target types, including high-value individuals and installations.

Originally known as the “Heliborne laser, fire-and-forget missile,” this designation was eventually shortened to “Hellfire,” which became the missile’s official name.

Renowned for its multi-mission capabilities, the Hellfire can effectively engage a wide range of targets with pinpoint accuracy. Its adaptability allows it to be launched from various platforms, including air, sea, and ground systems.

Notably, it is deployed from the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper drones, which are widely used for military operations. The missile weighs approximately 100 pounds (45 kg), making it a highly effective air-to-ground precision weapon for the U.S. military and allied forces worldwide.

The Hellfire missile has also been successfully integrated into surface platforms, extending its functionality to surface-to-surface and surface-to-air combat roles. This has made it a critical asset in modern warfare across various domains.

AGM-114 Hellfire Missile

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile family primarily consists of laser-guided variants, with the AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire being the notable exception, utilizing radar guidance.

Laser guidance can be achieved through various methods, including launch platforms like the nose-mounted optics of the AH-64 Apache helicopter, airborne designators, or ground-based observers.

The latter two methods enable the launcher to break the line of sight with the target, allowing it to seek cover while still ensuring the missile’s accuracy.

The development of the Hellfire Missile System traces back to 1974, initiated in response to a U.S. Army requirement for a powerful, helicopter-launched anti-tank weapon designed to neutralize heavily armored vehicles. This gave birth to a missile capable of devastating precision strikes against armored targets.

By the early 1990s, the Hellfire II emerged as a modular missile system with multiple variants. It officially entered service with the U.S. Army in 1996.

The Hellfire II series includes several semi-active laser-guided variants, such as the AGM-114K (high-explosive anti-tank or HEAT), AGM-114K II (equipped with an external blast fragmentation sleeve), AGM-114M (blast fragmentation), and the AGM-114N (featuring a metal augmented charge or MAC warhead).

These missiles achieve high accuracy by locking onto laser reflections from the target, either from the launching platform or external sources.

Platforms such as the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) are among the key carriers of the Hellfire II.

However, the AH-1Z Viper helicopter gunship remains the most common platform, capable of carrying up to 16 Hellfires. The AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire introduces a fire-and-forget capability thanks to its millimeter-wave (MMW) radar, which eliminates the need for further guidance once launched.

The missile can even lock onto targets post-launch and is highly effective in adverse conditions such as poor weather, smoke, or fog—scenarios that might obscure a target or disrupt a laser designator’s function.

Weighing 104 pounds (47 kg), including a 20-pound (9 kg) warhead, the Hellfire has a range between 4.4 to 6.8 miles (7.1 to 11 km) and boasts a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than three feet (0.91 m), ensuring precision even at maximum range.

The AGM-114R Romeo variant, which entered service in 2012, features semi-active laser homing guidance and a multipurpose K-charge warhead.

This variant consolidates the capabilities of several earlier models, such as the AGM-114K, M, N, and P, into a single versatile missile, reducing the need for multiple specialized versions.

In October 2012, the U.S. ordered 24,000 Hellfire II missiles to supply both domestic forces and foreign allies.

Additionally, a possible successor to the Hellfire, the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), is under consideration.

Due to budget constraints, its development has been broken into phases, with the first phase focusing on integrating a millimeter-wave radar into the Hellfire-R.

This enhancement would equip the missile with a dual-mode seeker, allowing it to track and engage moving targets under adverse weather conditions.

Operational History

In 2009, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the Army Air Corps (AAC) had deployed AgustaWestland Apache helicopters armed with AGM-114N Hellfire missiles against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

The MoD disclosed that a total of 20 Hellfire missiles were launched in 2008, with an additional 20 deployed in 2009.

During a parliamentary discussion, Nick Harvey, a Liberal Democrat MP, emphasized the need for Parliament to be reassured that these missiles were only being used as a weapon of last resort.

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile has been widely utilized in high-profile targeted killings. In 2004, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) employed a Hellfire to assassinate Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin.

The United States has similarly used Hellfires in several notable strikes, including the 2011 killing of American-born Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen, the 2012 elimination of Al-Qaeda operative Abu Yahya al-Libi in Pakistan, and the 2014 strike against al-Shabaab leader Mukhtar Abu Zubair in Somalia.

In 2015, a Hellfire missile was used to kill British ISIL member Mohammed Emwazi, infamously known as “Jihadi John,” in Syria. Furthermore, Hellfires played a critical role in the targeted killings of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

While the Hellfire missile is primarily designed for air-to-ground engagements, it has occasionally been used in air-to-air combat. The first documented instance occurred on May 24, 2001, when an Israeli Air Force AH-64A Apache helicopter downed a civilian Cessna 152 that had illegally entered Israeli airspace from Lebanon and ignored multiple warnings.

The second air-to-air engagement took place on February 10, 2018, when an Israeli AH-64 Apache destroyed an Iranian UAV that had infiltrated Israeli airspace from Syria.

In a notable incident involving the missile, The Wall Street Journal reported in January 2016 that a training version of the Hellfire missile, one without an active warhead, was accidentally shipped to Cuba in 2014 following a training exercise in Europe.

The inert missile, known as a “Captive Air Training Missile” (CATM), had been stripped of its warhead, guidance system, fuse, and motor, rendering it harmless. It was later returned to the United States.

Hellfire Missile Variants Overview

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile series typically ranges from 1.63 to 1.75 meters in length, with a diameter of 0.178 meters, and weighs between 45 and 48.5 kilograms. These missiles are designed to deliver precision strikes at distances of 7 to 11 kilometers, carrying a warhead that weighs between 8 and 11 kilograms.

Although the AGM-114 Hellfire missile operates at subsonic velocities, it can reach speeds up to Mach 1.3, which is approximately 450 meters per second. These specifications make it a formidable weapon for engaging targets at extended ranges with high accuracy.

AGM-114A Hellfire Missile

• Production Period: 1982 to 1992
• Effective Range: 8,700 yards (approximately 8,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing (SALH)
  • Non-programmable design
  • Utilizes an analog autopilot
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: 18-pound (8 kg) shaped charge, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT)
  • Limitations: Unable to penetrate reactive armor
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 64 inches (163 cm)
  • Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)

AGM-114B/C Hellfire Missile

• Production Period: 1982 to 1992
• Effective Range: 8,700 yards (approximately 8,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing (SALH)
  • Non-programmable design
  • Utilizes an analog autopilot
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: 18-pound (8 kg) shaped charge, HEAT
  • Limitations: Unable to penetrate reactive armor
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 64 inches (163 cm)
  • Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)

AGM-114F/FA Interim Hellfire

• Production Period: 1991 to 1994
• Effective Range: 8,700 yards (approximately 8,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing (SALH)
  • Non-programmable design
  • Analog autopilot
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: 18-pound (8 kg) tandem-shaped charge, capable of penetrating reactive armor
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 64 inches (163 cm)
  • Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)

AGM-114K/K2/K2A Hellfire II

• Production Period: 1993 to 2018
• Effective Range: 12,000 yards (approximately 11,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing with electro-optical countermeasures
  • Advanced digital autopilot and electronic systems allow for target reacquisition after losing the laser lock
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: 20-pound (9 kg) tandem-shaped charge HEAT
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 64 inches (163 cm)
  • Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)

AGM-114L Hellfire LongBow

• Production Period: 1995 to 2005, with renewed production from 2016 onward
• Effective Range: 8,700 yards (approximately 8,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Fire-and-forget capability with millimeter-wave (MMW) radar seeker combined with inertial guidance
  • Effective in adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions
  • Features programmable fuzing and guidance
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: 20-pound (9 kg) tandem-shaped charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, incorporating insensitive munitions (IM)
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 71 inches (180 cm)
  • Weight: 108 pounds (49 kg)

AGM-114M Hellfire II (Blast Frag)

• Production Period: 1998 to 2010
• Effective Range: 12,000 yards (approximately 11,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing
  • Features delayed and programmable fuzing for engagement of hardened targets
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: Blast fragmentation/incendiary
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 71 inches (180 cm)
  • Weight: 108 pounds (49 kg)

AGM-114N Hellfire (MAC)

• Production Period: 2003 to 2018
• Effective Range: 12,000 yards (approximately 11,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing with a millimeter-wave radar seeker
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: Metal augmented charge (thermobaric) with sustained pressure wave and delayed fuze capability
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Weight: 106 pounds (48 kg)
  • Speed: Mach 1.3 (1,600 km/h)
  • Diameter: 7.1 inches (180 mm)
  • Wingspan: 13 inches (0.33 m)
  • Length: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)

AGM-114P/P+ Hellfire II

• Production Period: 2003 to 2012
• Effective Range: 12,000 yards (approximately 11,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing
  • Features delayed and programmable fuzing for hardened targets
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: Shaped charge or blast fragmentation
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 71 inches (180 cm)
  • Weight: 108 pounds (49 kg)

AGM-114R Hellfire II (Romeo)

• Production Period: Since 2012
• Effective Range: 8,700 yards (approximately 8,000 meters)
• Guidance System:
  • Semi-active laser homing
• Warhead Specifications:
  • Type: Multi-function warhead designed to reduce net explosive weight, minimizing collateral damage (specifically models R-9E and R-9H)
• Physical Dimensions:
  • Length: 71 inches (180 cm)
  • Weight: 108 pounds (49 kg)
  • Speed: Mach 1.3

AGM-114R-9X Hellfire

• Overview: This variant is equipped with a kinetic warhead featuring pop-out blades rather than traditional explosives, aimed at specific high-value human targets. The warhead comprises 100 pounds (45 kg) of dense material combined with six blades, which operate at high speed to effectively crush and cut through the target.
• Deployment History:
  • First utilized in secret in 2017, its existence became public in 2019.
  • Notably employed in operations against key figures such as Abu Khayr al-Masri and Jamal Ahmad Mohammad Al-Badawi, as well as in Syria and Afghanistan targeting Taliban commanders.
  • Used in combat on several occasions, including the targeted strike against Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former Al-Qaeda leader, in July 2022.
  • Reports indicate its effectiveness in minimizing collateral damage during precision strikes, with instances of use in 2020 against al-Qaeda leaders.

The AGM-114D/E, G, H, and J variants of the Hellfire missile were not manufactured, and thus, they do not have operational deployments. In contrast, the Q and S variants have been specifically developed to feature inert warheads, making them suitable for training exercises.

Additionally, the T variant was intended for experimental purposes to evaluate performance and functionality. It is important to note that this overview does not encompass the entire range of subvariants associated with the Hellfire missile system.

Launch Vehicles and Systems

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is utilized across various U.S. military branches and platforms, which include:

• U.S. Army:
  • AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter
  • OH-58 Kiowa Warrior Reconnaissance Helicopter
  • AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopter
  • AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter
  • MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
  • Special Operations Aircraft
• U.S. Navy:
  • SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter
  • HH-60H Seahawk Helicopter
• U.S. Marine Corps:
  • KC-130J Hercules Aerial Refueling Aircraft
  • AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopter
• U.S. Air Force:
  • MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
  • MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
• International Operators:
  • Australia’s and France’s EC665 Tiger Attack Helicopter

The AGM-114 Hellfire missile “Longbow” and “Romeo” variants are predominantly used by the U.S. military due to their advanced guidance systems and their versatility across multiple missions. These same models are also adopted by foreign operators, alongside the earlier AGM-114K variant.

Experimental Platforms

The AGM-114 Hellfire Missile system has undergone extensive testing for compatibility with various military platforms, including the Humvee and the Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV).

Additionally, it has been successfully fired from a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Both Sweden and Norway utilize the Hellfire missile as part of their coastal defense strategies, and they have conducted tests with Hellfire launchers integrated into the Combat Boat 90, a vessel designed for coastal assaults.

In the United States, the Navy has been evaluating the missile for deployment on the Freedom-class and Independence-class littoral combat ships since 2014.

Notably, in early 2017, the missile was successfully launched from a littoral combat ship (LCS), marking a significant milestone in its operational readiness. Plans were in place for this system to be deployed by late 2019.

In 2016, the U.S. Army tested the Longbow Hellfire missile using a 15-tube Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) mounted on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) truck.

This MML is an innovative weapon system developed by the Army, designed to launch both surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, enhancing the versatility of ground operations.

Initially, the Longbow Hellfire was incorporated into the Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) variant of the Stryker vehicle to serve as an effective counter-drone missile system.

However, in 2024, the U.S. Army ceased its use of this platform. This decision stemmed from findings that prolonged storage of the missiles on a ground vehicle led to wear and tear, raising safety concerns regarding their operational integrity.

AGM-114 Hellfire Missile Specs

Origin

• Country of Origin: United States

Classification

• Type: Air-to-surface missile (ASM)

Dimensions

• Length: Ranges between 1.62 meters and 1.75 meters
• Diameter: Approximately 0.178 meters

Specifications

• Launch Weight: Between 45 kilograms and 48.5 kilograms
• Payload Capacity: Can carry a payload weighing between 8 kilograms and 11 kilograms
• Speed: Classified as a subsonic missile
• Operational Range: Effective range varies from 7 kilometers to 11 kilometers

Guidance System

• Guidance Mechanisms: Utilizes semi-active laser guidance along with millimeter-wave radar for targeting accuracy

Status

• Current Status: The missile is operational and in active service

Global Users

• Countries that Use AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles:

The United States has strategically sold AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to a diverse group of 30 allied nations. Among these allies, several are located in the Middle East. The countries that have acquired these advanced munitions include:

Australia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

The sale of these missiles underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting its allies in enhancing their military readiness and operational capabilities across various regions, particularly in response to evolving global threats.