The AGM-114 missile is a precision-guided, anti-tank missile developed by Lockheed Martin (formerly Hughes Aircraft) for the United States military. The missile is designed to be launched from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ground-based systems. With a history spanning over four decades, the AGM-114 has become one of the most widely used and respected anti-tank missiles in the world.
First introduced in the 1980s, the AGM-114 Hellfire missile was initially designed to provide the U.S. Army with a highly effective, anti-armor capability. Over the years, the missile has undergone numerous upgrades and improvements, resulting in several variants with enhanced capabilities. Today, the AGM-114 is used by a variety of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others, and has seen extensive combat in several conflicts, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War.
Key Points
- The AGM-114 missile is a precision-guided, anti-tank missile with a range of over 8 kilometers (5 miles).
- The missile uses a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, which requires the target to be illuminated by a laser designator.
- The AGM-114 has several variants, including the AGM-114A, AGM-114B, AGM-114C, and AGM-114L, each with distinct capabilities and improvements.
- The missile is capable of penetrating armor up to 1,000 mm (39 inches) thick, making it effective against a wide range of armored vehicles.
- The AGM-114 has been used in various combat scenarios, including urban warfare, desert environments, and mountainous terrain.
Design and Development
The AGM-114 missile was designed to meet the U.S. Army’s requirement for a highly effective, anti-armor capability. The missile’s development involved a collaborative effort between Hughes Aircraft (now Lockheed Martin) and the U.S. Army. The AGM-114’s design incorporates a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, which requires the target to be illuminated by a laser designator. This allows the missile to home in on the target with high accuracy. The missile’s propulsion system consists of a solid rocket booster, which provides the necessary thrust for the missile to reach its target.
Technical Specifications
The AGM-114 missile has a length of 1.75 meters (5.74 feet) and a diameter of 17.8 cm (7 inches). The missile’s weight is approximately 45 kg (99 pounds), with a warhead weight of around 9 kg (20 pounds). The AGM-114 has a range of over 8 kilometers (5 miles) and can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.3 (approximately 1,600 km/h or 1,000 mph). The missile’s guidance system uses a combination of inertial measurement and SAL seeking, allowing for high accuracy and reliability.
| Variant | Description | Range |
|---|---|---|
| AGM-114A | Initial production variant | Up to 8 km (5 miles) |
| AGM-114B | Improved variant with enhanced warhead | Up to 8 km (5 miles) |
| AGM-114C | Variant with improved guidance system | Up to 8 km (5 miles) |
| AGM-114L | Long-range variant with improved propulsion | Up to 12 km (7.5 miles) |
Operational History
The AGM-114 missile has seen extensive combat in several conflicts, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War. The missile’s effectiveness against armored vehicles has been demonstrated in numerous engagements, with reported hit rates exceeding 90%. The AGM-114 has been used by a variety of platforms, including the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and MQ-1 Predator UAV. The missile’s versatility and reliability have made it a favorite among military forces, with many countries incorporating the AGM-114 into their arsenals.
Combat Effectiveness
The AGM-114 missile has proven to be highly effective in combat, with its ability to penetrate armor up to 1,000 mm (39 inches) thick making it a valuable asset against heavily armored targets. The missile’s SAL seeker provides a high degree of accuracy, allowing for precise targeting and minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The AGM-114’s range and speed also make it an effective weapon against targets at extended distances, providing a significant advantage on the battlefield.
What is the primary purpose of the AGM-114 missile?
+The primary purpose of the AGM-114 missile is to provide a highly effective, anti-armor capability for military forces, allowing them to engage and destroy heavily armored targets with precision and accuracy.
What are the different variants of the AGM-114 missile?
+The AGM-114 missile has several variants, including the AGM-114A, AGM-114B, AGM-114C, and AGM-114L, each with distinct capabilities and improvements. These variants differ in their guidance systems, warhead designs, and propulsion systems, allowing for a range of applications and scenarios.
What is the range of the AGM-114 missile?
+The range of the AGM-114 missile is over 8 kilometers (5 miles), with the long-range variant, AGM-114L, having a range of up to 12 km (7.5 miles). This allows the missile to engage targets at extended distances, providing a significant advantage on the battlefield.
