Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS)

Surface-to-Surface Missile Launcher System

Sweden | 2015

"The joint-development HELLFIRE Shore Defense System has been passed on to the Ukrainians from Norway."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/31/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from Norwegian Defense archives; public release.

Beyond perhaps the "Sidewinder" short-ranged Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) there is no other Western missile as well-known as the tank-killing "Hellfire". The AGM-114 goes hand-in-hand with platforms such as the Boeing "Apache" attack helicopter types and has been featured (or experimented through) various other avenues, showing the design's sheer versatility even again a modern battlefield backdrop. Beyond its use in helicopters, the missile is also featured in fixed-wing types such as the Republic A-10 "Warthog" ground-attacker and has been mounted onto vehicles and even naval assets (either for testing or actual operational service).

Enter the Norwegian HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS), originating as a joint-development solution involving American defense powerhouse Boeing as well Swedish defense powerhouse Bofors with Boeing being responsible for the missile and launch components while Bofors completes final assembly of the package which includes the blast-fragmentation warhead and tripod support system.

The complete arrangement unit involves a pair of missile launchers, an integrated firing unit, and a laser designator, all working in unison to provide for considerable accuracy at-range against armored and unarmored ground or seaborne targets. The product is designed to be man-portable and relatively easily transported once broken down into is major components.

After extensive trials over two years, verification flight test-firings were completed in 1998 by Norwegian Coastal Artillery. Beyond its active service with Norwegian and Swedish forces, examples have been photographed in presumably Ukrainian hands during its war against Russia, the first example appearing in October 2022.

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October 2022 - First public recognition of HSDS systems in play in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Physical
The physical qualities of the Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,600 mm
62.99 in
O/A Length

1,600 mm
62.99 in
Barrel Length

165.35 lb
75.00 kg
Weight

Electrically-Actuated.
Action

180mm
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot.
Feed

Integrated Optics Set.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

36,100 ft
11,003.3 m | 12,033.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS) Surface-to-Surface Missile Launcher System family line.

HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS) - Base Series Designation.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Boeing - USA / Bofors - Sweden

[ Norway; Sweden; Ukraine ]

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Image of the Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS)

Image from Norwegian Defense archives; public release.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

FIRE SUPPORT

ANTI-TANK/MATERIAL

SPECIAL FORCES

SPECIAL PURPOSE

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Going Further...
The Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS) Surface-to-Surface Missile Launcher System appears in the following collections:

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