The little-known missile that likely killed Ayman al-Zawahiri
Two Hellfire missiles fired from a drone killed the leader of al Qaeda, causing surprisingly little damage beyond the target, suggesting they may be a version of the missile shrouded in secrecy and used by the United States to avoid non-combatant casualties.
THE R9X Hellfire missile
Social media images of the strike pointed to the hallmarks of a modified Hellfire called the R9X with six blades to damage targets, rather than explosives, sources familiar with the weapon said. Two explosions were heard that morning, but no reports of the sort of fires seen at previous drone strike sites in Afghanistan.
Fins
Blades deploy seconds before hitting the target
No explosives in warhead
Sharpened blades with cut-outs to save weight
Guidance system
Standard Hellfire
dimensions
1.62-1.75 m
(5.3-5.7 ft)
45-48.5 kg
(99.2-107 lb)
HOW THE MISSILE REACHES ITS TARGET
1
R9X
The missiles are launched from Hellfire-armed drones. Two missiles were used in the strike on Zawahiri
2
Blades are retracted during flight
R9X
R9X uses its kinetic force and blades to eliminate the target
3
Blades
Note: Exact specifications of the missile are unknown. Diagrams are for illustration purposes, based on limited public information. Hellfire dimensions vary depending on variant.
Sources: Reuters; Bellngcat; CSIS Missile Defense Project;
The War Zone
Adolfo Arranz | Reuters, Aug. 03, 2022
The little-known missile that likely killed Ayman al-Zawahiri
Two Hellfire missiles fired from a drone killed the leader of al Qaeda, causing surprisingly little damage beyond the target, suggesting they may be a version of the missile shrouded in secrecy and used by the United States to avoid non-combatant casualties.
THE R9X Hellfire missile
Social media images of the strike pointed to the hallmarks of a modified Hellfire called the R9X with six blades to damage targets, rather than explosives, sources familiar with the weapon said. Two explosions were heard that morning, but no reports of the sort of fires seen at previous drone strike sites in Afghanistan.
Fins
Blades deploy seconds before hitting the target
Standard Hellfire
dimensions
No explosives in warhead
1.62-1.75 m
(5.3-5.7 ft)
45-48.5 kg
(99.2-107 lb)
Guidance system
Sharpened blades with cut-outs to save weight
HOW THE MISSILE REACHES ITS TARGET
R9X uses its kinetic force and blades to eliminate the target
1
2
3
Blades are retracted during flight
Blades
R9X
R9X
The missiles are launched from Hellfire-armed drones. Two missiles were used in the strike on Zawahiri
Note: Exact specifications of the missile are unknown. Diagrams are for illustration purposes, based on limited public information. Hellfire dimensions vary depending on variant.
Sources: Reuters; Bellngcat; CSIS Missile Defense Project; The War Zone
Adolfo Arranz | Reuters, Aug. 3, 2022
The little-known missile that likely killed Ayman al-Zawahiri
Two Hellfire missiles fired from a drone killed the leader of al Qaeda, causing surprisingly little damage beyond the target, suggesting they may be a version of the missile shrouded in secrecy and used by the United States to avoid non-combatant casualties.
THE R9X Hellfire missile
Social media images of the strike pointed to the hallmarks of a modified Hellfire called the R9X with six blades to damage targets, rather than explosives, sources familiar with the weapon said. Two explosions were heard that morning, but no reports of the sort of fires seen at previous drone strike sites in Afghanistan.
Blades deploy seconds before hitting the target
Fins
No explosives in warhead
Standard Hellfire
dimensions
1.62-1.75 m
(5.3-5.7 ft)
Guidance system
Sharpened blades with cut-outs to save weight
45-48.5 kg
(99.2-107 lb)
HOW THE MISSILE REACHES ITS TARGET
Blades
1
2
3
R9X
R9X
The missiles are launched from Hellfire-armed drones. Two missiles were used in the strike on Zawahiri
Blades are retracted during flight
R9X uses its kinetic force and blades to eliminate the target
Note: Exact specifications of the missile are unknown. Diagrams are for illustration purposes, based on limited public information. Hellfire dimensions vary depending on variant.
Sources: Reuters; Bellngcat; CSIS Missile Defense Project; The War Zone
Adolfo Arranz | Reuters, Aug. 3, 2022