Boeing-Bofors HELLFIRE Shore Defense System (HSDS)

Surface-to-Surface Missile Launcher System [ 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.

Image from Norwegian Defense archives; public release.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

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.©MilitaryFactory.com

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

Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Boeing - USA / Bofors - Sweden

Operators

Norway; Sweden; Ukraine

Service Year

2015

National Origin

Sweden

FIRE SUPPORT
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.

ANTI-ARMOR / ANTI-TANK / ANTI-MATERIAL
Designed to engage and defeat armor / enemy tanks at range.

SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose weapon for a specially defined battlefield role.

MAN-PORTABLE
Despite its size / weight, the product can be transported by foot infantry.

ANTI-ARMOR
Inherent ability to engage / defeat armored targets at range.

BUNKER BUSTER
Ability to defeat fortified / reinforced structures.

VEHICLE MOUNTING
Versatility is such that it can be mounted to vehicles as an anti-infantry / area suppression solution.

AIRCRAFT MOUNTING
Versatility is such that it can be mounted to aircraft as an anti-infantry / area suppression solution.

SCOPE-CAPABLE / SIGHTING ASSIST
Supports mounting of optics (scopes) to aid in accuracy for ranged fire.

TRIPOD ASSEMBLY
Can be mounted to a tripod assembly, typically of heavy-duty construction for added accuracy in ranged fire.

POWER REQUIREMENT
Requires external power supply to operate, therefore limiting tactical usefulness.

Overall Length

1,600 mm / 62.99 in

Barrel Length

1,600 mm / 62.99 in

Weight (Empty)

165.35 lb / 75.00 kg

Action

Electrically-Actuated.

Caliber(s)*

180mm
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

Single-Shot.

Sights

Integrated Optics Set.

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

Max.Effective Range

36,100 ft / 11,003.3 m | 12,033.3 yds

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

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Images

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

Image from Norwegian Defense archives; public release.

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