Smiths Industries outfits SH-60 with Hellfire

Experts at Smiths Industries Aerospace in Grand Rapids, Mich., are providing the capability for the U.S. Navy SH-60B and HH-60H helicopters to carry the Hellfire laser-guided missile. The first software was to be delivered in July. Equipping these helicopters with the Hellfire expands their roles beyond submarine hunting and bolsters their coastal warfare roles. The ability to fire Hellfire would give the SH- and HH-60 aircraft to carry out precision strikes on surface ships, shore installations, and armored vehicles. Hellfire, now part of the U.S. Army AH-64 helicopter weapons system, is designed with a shaped-charge warhead to destroy main battle tanks. - J.K.