What is the Hellfire Missile

/ UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS / By
hellfire missile 1

Hellfire Missile – Short Notes

  • Type: Air-to-ground, laser-guided, subsonic tactical missile.
  • Primary Use: Anti-tank; can also target helicopters & slow aircraft.
  • Users: United States and 30 allies.
  • Development: Started in 1972 to counter Soviet tanks.
  • Capabilities:
    • Precision strikes on tanks, bunkers, structures, helicopters.
    • Defeats any known tank.
    • Used on UAVs like MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, MQ-1C Grey Eagle.
  • Specifications:
    • Length: 1.63–1.75 m
    • Diameter: 0.178 m
    • Weight: 45–48.5 kg
    • Range: 7–11 km
    • Payload: 8–11 kg
    • Speed: Subsonic, up to Mach 1.3 (450 m/s)
    • Propulsion: Single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor
  • Guidance: Semi-active laser system; internal or external laser targeting.
  • Latest Variant: AGM-114R “Hellfire Romeo”
    • Combines all previous capabilities
    • Used by aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles
    • Integrated blast fragmentation warhead
Scroll to Top