AGM-114R multi-purpose Hellfire II missile for Pakistani Vipers

[Manticore]

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 15 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters, 32 T-700 GE 401C Engines (30 installed and 2 spares), 1000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II Missiles in containers, 36 H-1 Technical Refresh Mission computers, 17 AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, 30 629F-23 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency Communication Systems, 19 H-764 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems, 32 Helmet Mounted Display/Optimized Top Owl, 17 APX-117A Identification Friend or Foe, 17 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 17 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Sets, 18 AN/APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 15 Joint Mission Planning Systems, and 17 M197 20mm Gun Systems.

AH-1Z_Test-Fires_Hellfire-II_lg.jpg.



Hellfire I/II missiles are the USA’s preferred aerial anti-armor missile, and are widely deployed with America’s allies.

A new AGM-114R “multi-purpose” Hellfire II is headed into production/ conversion. It adds some guidance and navigation improvements, and goes one step further than the K-A variant: it’s intended to work well against all 3 target types: armored vehicles, fortified positions, or soft/open targets.

The “Romeo” will become the mainstay of the future Hellfire fleet, used from helicopters and UAVs, until and unless Hellfire itself is supplanted by the JAGM program. Hellfire systems product manager US Army Lt. Col. Mike Brown:
US Hellfire Missile Orders, FY 2011-2014



“One of the most noticeable operational enhancements in the AGM-114R missile is that the pilot can now select the [blast type] while on the move and without having to have a pre-set mission load prior to departure…

This is a big deal in insurgency warfare, as witnessed in Afghanistan where the Taliban are fighting in the open and simultaneously planning their next attacks in amongst the local populace using fixed structure facilities to screen their presence.”


The AGM-114R2 goes a step farther, and adds a height of burst sensor to make the 3-way warhead even more useful.
Four more Hellfire variants feature key changes that aren’t related to their warhead types.


--

R= for all targets increased lethality


HELLFIRE Family of Missiles - Semanticommunity.info

The SAL HELLFIRE II missile is guided by laser energy reflected off the target. It has three warhead variants: a dual warhead, shaped charge highexplosive anti-tank (HEAT) capability for armored targets (AGM-114K); a blast fragmentation warhead (BFWH) for urban, patrol boat and other “soft” targets (AGM-114M); and a metal augmented charge (MAC) warhead (AGM-114N) for urban structures, bunkers, radar sites, communications installations, and bridges. Beginning in 2012, a HELLFIRE multipurpose warhead variant (AGM-114R) will be available to the Warfighter that allows selection of warhead effects corresponding to a specific target type. The AGM-114R is capable of being launched from Army rotary-wing and UAS platforms and provides the pilot increased operational flexibility. The Longbow HELLFIRE (AGM-114L) is also a precision strike missile using millimeter wave (MMW) radar guidance instead of the HELLFIRE II’s semi-active laser. It is the principal antitank
system for the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter and uses the same anti-armor warhead as the HELLFIRE II. The MMW seeker provides beyond line-of-sight fire and forget capability, as well as the ability to operate in adverse weather and battlefield obscurants.

 

[IrbiS]

The AGM-114R consolidates the capabilities of all previous Hellfire missile variants. It is equipped with semi–active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile capable of defeating a broad range of targets. The AGM-114R can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground platforms, autonomously or with remote designation. From pre-launch to detonation, the AGM-114R employs a range of technological improvements that boost its effectiveness and utility. The AGM-114R features a three–axis inertial measurement unit, which enables properly equipped launch platforms to engage targets to the side and behind without maneuvering into position. The AGM-114R can be launched from higher altitudes than previous variants due to its enhanced guidance system and improved navigation capabilities. A new multi–purpose warhead enables the missile to defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets, which allows pilots to engage many targets with a single Hellfire loadout. The Army is currently only purchasing this variant


AGM-114 Hellfire Missile | Variants, AGM-114R, Budget/Costs, Specs

 

[Manticore]

The AGM-114R multipurpose missile is the latest in the Hellfire II missile range. Also known as the Hellfire Romeo, the missile integrates capabilities of all previous Hellfire II variants equipped with semi-active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile, defeating a range of targets.

From launch to detonation sequence, the Hellfire Romeo incorporates a variety of technological improvements that enhance its effectiveness and utility.

The first proof-of-principle (POP) flight test for AGM-114R was successfully conducted in October 2009, while the second POP was completed in April 2010. Lockheed Martin conducted the third POP test in August 2010.

Sixth and the final POP test was conducted in March 2011. All the tests were successfully carried out at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
AGM-114 Hellfire II Missile - Army Technology

 

[Sulman Badshah]

Mainly target for

• Bunkers, light vehicles, urban (soft) targets and caves

 

[SipahSalar]

As i said in the other thread.
114L's Tandem warhead is what's effective against armored targets like a tank.

114R has a blast fragmentation warhead.
It's good against lightly armored vehicles, buildings and other soft targets.

On top of that, F&F capability is essential when engaging a conventional enemy. You can fire a hellfire and then lower the chopper behind a hill or tree. In semi active missiles you need to keep a lock till the missile hits the target, during the flight time your helicopter will remain exposed to enemy fire.

114R does not have F&F capability. It's semi active. It is the natural evolution of hellfire since it's very capable in COIN operations and USA was not fighting a conventional enemy. Don't know why it is semi active.

Also, "The AGM-114R is to replace the AGM-114K, M, N, and P variants of the Hellfire missile." Conveniently leaving out "L" longbow version.
Army and Lockheed Martin prepare for production of advanced laser-guided Hellfire missile - Military & Aerospace Electronics

So there should be no doubt that 114R is not meant to engage armored targets.

 

[Areesh]

114R has a blast fragmentation warhead.
It's good against lightly armored vehicles, buildings and other soft targets.

The AGM-114R consolidates the capabilities of all previous Hellfire missile variants. It is equipped with semi–active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile capable of defeating a broad range of targets. The AGM-114R can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground platforms, autonomously or with remote designation. From pre-launch to detonation, the AGM-114R employs a range of technological improvements that boost its effectiveness and utility. The AGM-114R features a three–axis inertial measurement unit, which enables properly equipped launch platforms to engage targets to the side and behind without maneuvering into position. The AGM-114R can be launched from higher altitudes than previous variants due to its enhanced guidance system and improved navigation capabilities. A new multi–purpose warhead enables the missile to defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets, which allows pilots to engage many targets with a single Hellfire loadout.

 

[Manticore]

A new multi–purpose warhead enables the missile to defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets, which allows pilots to engage many targets with a single Hellfire loadout. The Army is currently only purchasing this variant

AGM-114 Hellfire Missile | Variants, AGM-114R, Budget/Costs, Specs

As i said in the other thread.
114L's Tandem warhead is what's effective against armored targets like a tank.

114R has a blast fragmentation warhead.
It's good against lightly armored vehicles, buildings and other soft targets.

On top of that, F&F capability is essential when engaging a conventional enemy. You can fire a hellfire and then lower the chopper behind a hill or tree. In semi active missiles you need to keep a lock till the missile hits the target, during the flight time your helicopter will remain exposed to enemy fire.

114R does not have F&F capability. It's semi active. It is the natural evolution of hellfire since it's very capable in COIN operations. Don't know why it is semi active.

 

[Areesh]

Mainly target for

• Bunkers, light vehicles, urban (soft) targets and caves

The AGM-114R consolidates the capabilities of all previous Hellfire missile variants. It is equipped with semi–active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile capable of defeating a broad range of targets. The AGM-114R can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground platforms, autonomously or with remote designation. From pre-launch to detonation, the AGM-114R employs a range of technological improvements that boost its effectiveness and utility. The AGM-114R features a three–axis inertial measurement unit, which enables properly equipped launch platforms to engage targets to the side and behind without maneuvering into position. The AGM-114R can be launched from higher altitudes than previous variants due to its enhanced guidance system and improved navigation capabilities. A new multi–purpose warhead enables the missile to defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets, which allows pilots to engage many targets with a single Hellfire loadout.

 

[AMDR]

Could those Hellfires be in some way fitted to a Burraq drone?

 

[SipahSalar]

Could those Hellfires be in some way fitted to a Burraq drone?

Maybe, but no chance of that happening. USA keeps all equipment under strict observation.
They cried murder when they suspected Harpoons were tampered with, ie weapons that were sold to us 30 years ago.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/world/asia/30missile.html

 

[C130]

Could those Hellfires be in some way fitted to a Burraq drone?

I doubt it. our policy has been be we don't sell our drones armed, but if you want to put our missiles on your domestic drones that might be okay

but anyhow Burraq already has a Chinese missile.

 

[Imran Khan]

another best thing in deal is

Helmet Mounted Display/Optimized Top Owl

TopOwl® is the result of over twenty years experience in the Helmet Mounted Sight Display field for rotor wing and fixed wing aircraft.

TopOwl has been designed by pilots for pilots.

TopOwl uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the only complete, integrated helmet system solution featuring :


VISION

TopOwl provides the pilot with optimum vision of the environment featuring unique visor-projected intensified night vision which is extremely comfortable to use.


MISSION

To accomplish the mission, TopOwl can display before the pilot’s eyes images from any sensor located on the aircraft such as an FLIR HD. The high accuracy head tracking system is able to slave any weapon.


COMFORT

TopOwl provides the pilot with the best comfort, reducing pilot fatigue and improving performance over long and iterative missions.

TopOwl® has been chosen by 16 countries for their army, navy and/or air force attack and transport helicopters.
In full-rate production, TopOwl is operational on 5 major helicopter programmes: Tiger, NH90, Cobra AH-1Z, Huey UH-1Y and Rooivalk; T129 is in progress.

Main characteristics:

• Binocular 40° field-of-view
• Visor projection
• Modular Integrated Image Intensifier
• FLIR
• Compatible with full weapon suite: Guns, Rockets, Missiles
• Headborne weight < 2.2 kg
• Customized helmet liner to pilot head
• Integrated Display Capabilities:
  - Stroke symbology
  - Raster video image (FLIR)
  - Image intensified secure

 

[SipahSalar]

Basically it can target both hardened bunkers and Armour targets.

That is still up for debate. Check my post on manticore's thread on hellfires.
When it comes to armor, AGM 114L is the premier missile. They are talking about arming LCS with AGM 114L's and not AGM 114R's for a reason.

 

[SQ8]

That is still up for debate. Check my post on manticore's thread on hellfires.
When it comes to armor, AGM 114L is the premier missile. They are talking about arming LCS with AGM 114L's and not AGM 114R's for a reason.

And what is the reason for that? Do you have a clue on it?

 

[Donatello]

That is still up for debate. Check my post on manticore's thread on hellfires.
When it comes to armor, AGM 114L is the premier missile. They are talking about arming LCS with AGM 114L's and not AGM 114R's for a reason.

No it is not, please don't repeat the same thing again. AGM114R is the latest, single missile for all types of targets. Rather than having different inventories, logistics is improved by having only one type of missile.