Have you ever heard of the Ninja Bomb?
Probably very few that deserve their nicknames so well.
Picture this a missile with lethal blades designed to obliterate
a specific human target while minimising collateral damage.
This particular weapon was used to take out Al Qaeda
leader Abu Khair al Masri in
2017. And that was just the beginning.
Before we delve deeper into the details of this unique
weapon,
it's essential to explore the technological platform on which it
was constructed.
A platform that, much like the ninja bomb,
perfectly embodies its moniker.
This is military mechanics and in this episode we will
talk about the
AGM 114 Hellfire Missiles.
The AGM 114 Hellfire is a family of laser guided
missiles serving as a key component of the US Army's
anti armour capabilities.
Developed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin,
The Hellfire project was initiated in
1974 in response to the pressing requirement system that could
effectively engage both fixed and moving targets.
Originally called Heliborne Laser Fire and Forgets Missile,
the nickname Hellfire stuck and eventually became the official name.
Throughout their service history, Hellfire missiles have been deployed against
high profile terrorist targets across various conflict zones including Iraq,
Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Despite being initially designed for helicopter
deployment,
the Hellfire Missiles versatility has seen them adapted for launch
from various other platforms.
These platforms include the Navy's SH 60 BHH 60 H
Seahawk,
the Army's AH 64 Apache,
the Marines, AH1 W Super Cobra and the Air Force's
MQ One Predator and Reaper.
In terms of technical specifications,
the Hellfire missile measures
5.33 feet in length with a diameter of seven inches
and a wingspan of 28 inches.
The missiles weight can range from 98 to
107 lbs. The Hellfire AGM 114 missile series exhibits A
modular design comprising 5 main sections,
the Homing Head Command and Navigation System or CNS,
the combat units, battle components or BC,
the control system, the engine and the controls.
The control system consists of a compressed gas cylinder,
a thermal battery, an autopilot,
and a three stage gyroscope within the inertial control system.
The propulsion system of the missile relies on a solid
propellant rocket,
specifically the Theochol
TX 657
Hellfire. AGM 114 missiles are launched using Lockheed Martin Marvin
M299 and M310 missile launches,
providing versatile deployment options across different platforms.
The Hellfire family of missiles includes a multitude of models.
The AGM 114 L is 1 specific model that has
been engineered for exclusive deployments on the
AH 64 Apache Longbow attack helicopter.
The latest variant within this missile family is the
AGM114R, also known as the Hellfire Romeo.
Designed to replace all previous Hellfire 2 missile configurations,
this version consolidated the capabilities of earlier models into a
single powerful missile system.
Due to its improved guidance system and superior navigation capabilities,
the Hellfire Romeo can be launched from higher altitudes compared
to its predecessors.
The newly integrated Multi Purpose Warhead enables the missile to
engage and defeat hard,
soft and enclosed targets, providing greater flexibility to pilots and
increasing the overall effectiveness of the missile system.
Among its many advancements, the Three Axis Inertial Measurements Units
is a key feature,
allowing launch platforms to engage off AXIS targets without having
to manoeuvre into position.
Now it's time for the most secretive and exotic
variants of this weapon platform,
the
AGM 114R9X, Also decision strike capabilities.
Equipped with six retractable meter long blades,
this missile can neutralize a single individual while sparing surrounding
civilians.
Developed by the CIA, it has been deployed by the
Joint Special Operations Command since its secret introduction in
2017. Its operational history is marked by several successful missions
against high profile targets.
This includes the neutralization of Abu Khair al Masri,
A prominent Al Qaeda leader in
2017, the elimination of Jamal Ahmad Mohammed al Badawi,
the architect of the 2000 USS Cole bombing in
2019, and al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri in
2022. This selective and precise weapon has proven to be
an effective solution to complex combat situations where enemy combatants
use civilian populations as Shields against air strikes.
The R9X represents a significant advancement in missile technology,
symbolizing the balance between lethal power precision and the depreciation
of collective damage.