The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is one of the primary weapons in the arsenal of attack helicopters like the AH-64 Apache in many countries. However, the lack of modern helicopters in the Armed Forces of Ukraine currently does not hinder the utilization of this highly precise weaponry.
It should be noted that these missiles were provided by Sweden and Norway, where they are used as anti-ship missile system.
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ArmyInform managed to communicate with the operators of the RBS-17 system. As stated by a fighter with the call sign Banker, the operational procedures for the system are largely consistent with its use in the armed forces of Norway and Sweden, with the exception of the specific targets engaged. The crew distribution remains similar, involving three personnel for operating the launcher and two fighters managing the laser targeting device.
The laser targeting device plays a crucial role in guiding the AGM-114 Hellfire missile with its semi-active laser guidance system to accurately strike an illuminated target. To achieve this, the fighters responsible for the targeting device need to not only be positioned at the forward edge but also maintain an unobstructed line of sight to the target. Additionally, they must establish a dependable communication link with the launcher team.
The launcher itself is stationed deep within the positions, several kilometers away, and operates in a mode of firing from a concealed location. Once the target is illuminated, a launch is initiated at distances of up to 8 kilometers. Depending on the range, the missile flies at an altitude of 100 to 400 meters, destroying the target from above.
The system boasts a 100% effectiveness rate, with all AGM-114 Hellfire missiles successfully hitting their intended targets. These targets typically include enemy firing positions, bunkers or light armored vehicles, as the missiles are equipped with fragmentation-explosive warheads.
However, there are also versions of the missile with a shaped charge warhead, necessary for engaging tanks, as well as thermobaric warheads designed to target personnel in shelters.
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