The AGM-114 HELLFIRE missile is an antiarmor air-to-ground weapon that uses a formed charge warhead to defeat hard purpose targets with minimal exposure of the launch helicopter to enemy fire. the first three generations of HELLFIRE missiles use a laser seeker. guidance is provided through automatic terminal homing on laser signals mirrored from a laser designated target. The fourth generation, Longbow HELLFIRE, uses a radar frequency seeker.
The Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missile System (AGMS) provides significant anti-armor capability for attack helicopters. For anti-armor roles, the AGM-114 missile contains a conical formed charge warhead with a copper liner cone that forms the jet that gives armor penetration. This high explosive, antitank warhead is effective against numerous kinds of armor including appliqu and reactive. It also can be used against concrete bunkers and similar fortifications. The AGM-114M version uses a Blast Fragmentation Warhead (BFW) that is designed to defeat a general class of targets represented by ships, deck mounted weapon systems, light armored vehicles and light bunkers by mix of fragmentation and blast effects.
