The French Government has selected Lockheed Martin’s AGM-114 Hellfire II missile system for its fleet of HAD Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters.
Eurocopter has already begun integrating the laser-guided missile on to the helicopter at its facility at Marignane. Ground tests are scheduled for October this year, with flight tests starting in March 2008. Fielding of the missile system is expected to be complete by 2012. The number of missiles and value of the contract has not been revealed.
The Hellfire II can be fitted with three types of warhead – the AGM-114K high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT); AGM-114M blast fragmentation missile for ‘soft’ targets; and the ‘metal augmented charge’ missile, or AGM-114N, for use against enemy personnel inside caves, enclosures, or other confined spaces.
Lockheed Martin says another factor influencing the French purchase decision was the missile’s flexibility, which enables last-second diversion of the missile in flight if required. This helps to ensure strict rules of engagement are followed and that collateral damage is minimised.
It adds that the missile has been used extensively in combat, with more than 3,000 fired in the global “war on terrorism”. The missiles are being purchased under a US foreign military sales contract.
Source: Flight Daily News
