WDS 2024: Turkish company Firestar Systems showcases Hellhawk family of loitering munitions.

At the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024) in Saudi Arabia, the Turkish defense company Firestar Systems, established through a joint venture between Hydra Technologies and various Turkish industrial partners, showcased its Hellhawk family of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This series, comprising loitering munitions and attack UAS, offers different specifications tailored to various mission requirements.
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The Hellhawk family includes several models, with some that can carry a warhead of up to 30kg and have a maximum operational range of 500km. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Hellhawk family includes several models, each with specific capabilities. The most advanced model in this lineup can carry a warhead of up to 30kg and has a maximum operational range of 500km, designed for fire-and-forget missions over long distances. This feature allows for the engagement of targets without further input from the operator after launch.

The Hellhawk AM1 model is equipped to handle a maximum payload of 20kg and can reach a distance of up to 350km. It has a maximum speed of 90 knots and can remain airborne for 2.5 hours. This model is launched via catapult and controlled through a ruggedized tablet, which acts as the ground data terminal (GDT). It does not include a camera, and its command and control system is designed for single-use, fire-and-forget operations, emphasizing its role against infrastructure targets.

Expanding on the capabilities of the AM1, the Hellhawk AM2 increases the payload capacity to 30kg and the range to 500km, with a maximum speed of 140 knots. Similar to the AM1 in terms of endurance, launch mechanism, and propulsion, the AM2 also features a fire-and-forget system without camera integration, aiming to enhance its operational range and payload for more demanding missions.

The Hellhawk AM3 variant introduces a SATCOM module for in-flight adjustments to the route and target, providing operators with the ability to modify mission parameters dynamically. This capability is in addition to the standard fire-and-forget and autopilot modes, aiming to offer greater flexibility during operations.

In the Hellhawk-LM AM4-D model, an electro-optical (EO) camera on a stabilized gimbal is included, providing real-time video feed for day operations. This variant supports various flight modes, including loitering and attack, and is equipped with a 25kg warhead. It features a secure datalink for command and control, protected by military-grade encryption, targeting infrastructure, anti-armor, and missions requiring increased lethality.

The Hellhawk-LM AM4-DN is designed for comprehensive mission profiles, capable of day and night operations with a dual (EO/IR) gimbal system and a 25kg warhead. This model shares similar performance characteristics with the AM4-D, including speed, endurance, and launch methods, but extends operational capabilities to night missions.