AGM-114R testfiring
Posted on 10/14/2011 9:02:22 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
US to field deadlier missile in war againt al Qaeda
* US Army hopes to deploy new Hellfire version soon
* "One missile for many missions," manufacturer says
* Combines killing capabilities of all previous models
By Jim Wolf
WASHINGTON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - A precision-strike missile that has been a star of the U.S.-led war on al Qaeda and its allies is about to get deadlier.
The cylindrical, 108-pound (49-kg) missile, known as Hellfire II, has been the weapon of choice on remotely piloted aircraft such as the General Atomics MQ-1A Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper.
These drones have been hunting U.S. foes in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistani tribal areas. Among the recent targets of a CIA-operated drone was U.S.-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who was a top U.S. anti-terrorist target until he was killed in northern Yemen on Sept. 30.
Now an even more lethal version of the missile is close to being fielded.
It wraps all of the killer applications of previous Hellfire II models into a single warhead for greater operational flexibility, according to its maker, Lockheed Martin Corp .
"One missile for many missions," said a promotional sheet next to a Lockheed missile mock-up at an annual meeting and arms bazaar of the Association of the United States Army, held in Washington this week.
The new missile is designated the AGM-114R, or Hellfire Romeo. Tipped with a "multi-purpose" warhead behind its domed nose, it is designed to knock out "hard, soft and enclosed targets" with a single Hellfire missle load, says Lockheed, the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier by sales.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
AGM-114R testfiring
The rest of us got a graphic of a skull and crossbones with the text: “This image and content has been STOLEN Please see www.copybook.com/contentpiracy.php”
If we had a President with a set, al Qaeda might be concerned. However ...
The real loser is whoever was hosting that pic. Now no one knows what they have or who they are.
“A study undertaken by the New American Foundation reports that in his first two years of office, President Obama authorized nearly four times the number of strikes in Pakistan as President Bush did in his eight years.”
I would not be surprised if this missile is coming soon to a Tea Pary meeting near all of us.
You racist!
HELLFIRE® II Romeo Test...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR2eeYJVWJg
I always liked this video, Javelin Live Fire Test, for the suspense before impact and then the reaction of the crew...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHbCcQBSZ7Q
I don’t remember the full details, but I was personally impressed by the technology that dropped self-guided mortar rounds on unsuspecting insurgents below. I love the idea of making a very cheap round into something that is very effective and powerful. As long as you have a small CEP, you don’t need the biggest warhead to get the job done.
Thanks for the post; links; thread. Fascinating.
I'm not sure there is a place for you in the current administration (or anywhere in government for that matter).
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