1. Helicopter Gunnery Overview…Helicopter Gunnery Overview…
Focus: HELLFIREFocus: HELLFIRE

2. SpecificationsSpecifications
AGM-114K/L (Hellfire-2/Longbow Hellfire-2)
• Warhead: HE shaped charge/Tandem HEAT
• Fuse: Impact
• Guidance: Semi-active laser/Inertial & MMW radar
• Propulsion: Solid Rocket
• Range: 9 km
• Contractors:Boeing/Lockheed Martin

3. OH-58D Kiowa WarriorOH-58D Kiowa Warrior
AH-64 Apache LongbowAH-64 Apache Longbow

4. Commander’s AssessmentCommander’s Assessment
• Experience Levels of Unit Aircrews
• Results of Previous Gunnery Ranges
• Total Training Level of Unit
• Personnel Assignment Stability
• Diagnostic Testing of Unit Proficiency
• Maintenance Status of Aircraft Weapon Systems
• Determine Time/Resources Required & Available

5. Planning the TrainingPlanning the Training
• Develop Program of Pre-gunnery
Instruction
• Academic/Hands-On/Non-Aircrew Training
• Plan
- Pre-Live-Fire Assessment
- Intermediate Live-Fire
- Advanced Live-Fire

6. Effective Assessment & TrainingEffective Assessment & Training
• Set Standards
• Start Early
• Be Thorough
• Be Flexible
• Train Continually

7. Subject Areas & TechniquesSubject Areas & Techniques
• Flight Proficiency
• Map Reading, Navigation & Terrain Analysis
• Armament
• Ammunition
• Crew Duties
• Target Acquisition & Identification
• Mission Planning
• Range Operation & Safety

8. Qualification GatesQualification Gates
• A helicopter gunnery “gate” is a task or tasks
grouped in a training event that a soldier or unit
must perform to standard before progressing to
more complex tasks or events.
• Major Gate Types:
– Individual Gates
– Crew Simulator & Ground Training Gates
– Crew Live-Fire Gates

9. Scoring CriteriaScoring Criteria
• Target Effect
– For Hellfire Missile engagements, target must
be hit to achieve target effect.
• Engagement Time
– Start:
• Controlled Presentation (Pop-Up)
• Uncontrolled Presentation (Fixed)
– Stop: Target Effect or “mission complete”

10. Engagement ScoringEngagement Scoring
• Each engagement worth 100 points.
• Crew duties & time-of-flight figures are
integrated into engagement time tables.
• Minimum 7 of 10 successful engagements
– DISTINGUISHED 900-1000 pts.
– SUPERIOR 800-899 pts.
– QUALIFIED 700-799 pts.
– UNQUALIFIED <700 pts.

11. Hellfire Missile ScoringHellfire Missile Scoring
• AH-64 Apache VRS/OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
AVTR/Other DA- approved objective scoring
systems, if available.
– Switchology, Crew Coordination, Proper
Employment Techniques
– Aircraft/missile range/envelope are GO-LAUNCH?
– Line-of-sight/laser energy on target for required
time?
– Proper grid coordinates keyed for remote
engagement.
– Missile & Laser Range-Finder/Designator (LRF/D)
on same code.

12. Post Live-Fire TrainingPost Live-Fire Training
• After-Action Review
– Commander assesses unit strengths/weaknesses
& standardization.
– Design next gunnery/missile training program.
– Continuity during personnel turnover.
– Objective data on gunnery to solicit
modifications to publications.

13. ReferencesReferences
• FM 1-140
• Boeing Aerospace Corp.
• Lockheed Martin Aerospace
• Jane’s Defense Information