How the U.S. killed Ayman al-Zawahiri — and only al-Zawahiri — with a R9X 'flying Ginsu' missile

[Nitt1300]

The R9X is a specific of AGM-114 Hellfire, a type of precision-guided rocket originally developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin as the anti-tank "Heliborne, Laser, Fire, and Forget Missile," later shortened to Hellfire. They are now typically fired from drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. Unlike most Hellfires, the R9X doesn't have a conventional explosive warhead. Instead, it has six rotating blades that cut through the target.

Will this replace the Veg-O-Matic?

 

[TiogaLion]

The R9X is a specific of AGM-114 Hellfire, a type of precision-guided rocket originally developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin as the anti-tank "Heliborne, Laser, Fire, and Forget Missile," later shortened to Hellfire. They are now typically fired from drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. Unlike most Hellfires, the R9X doesn't have a conventional explosive warhead. Instead, it has six rotating blades that cut through the target.

Will this replace the Veg-O-Matic?

Or perhaps the Bass-O-Matic?

 

[TiogaLion]

On a more serious note, the blades on the R9X are 1 meter long giving it a kill diameter of over 2 meters, which seems like a bunch but when fired from a great distance is actually quite impressive.

 

[Thorndike2021]

FLAG! This thread sucks without pictures of the result of the attack on this subhuman.

 

[PSU Mike]

I assume they IDed and targeted his sleep patterns to make this work?

 

[ODShowtime]

FLAG! This thread sucks with pictures of the result of the attack on this subhuman.

I was gonna say, I want to see the puddle. It's gratifying to know that whatever was left is on a slow boil in hell for all eternity.

 

[Lionville]

The R9X is a specific of AGM-114 Hellfire, a type of precision-guided rocket originally developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin as the anti-tank "Heliborne, Laser, Fire, and Forget Missile," later shortened to Hellfire. They are now typically fired from drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. Unlike most Hellfires, the R9X doesn't have a conventional explosive warhead. Instead, it has six rotating blades that cut through the target.

Will this replace the Veg-O-Matic?

Ah, so they made minced meat out of him. He deserved every slice he got. Hopefully
there were about 3,000 of them - One for every life lost On 9/11.

 

[BobPSU92]

If only Clifford had this sort of accuracy.

 

[Midnighter]

Amazed that ‘Ginsu’ is still in the American lexicon.

 

[nittanyfan333]

Been in or around the FMV community since ‘06. If you only knew the advancement of ISR capabilities as a whole. Specifically to this, the low-CDE aspect is huge. Gone are the days of using a sledgehammer to drive a finishing nail.

 

[DaytonRickster]

Amazed that ‘Ginsu’ is still in the American lexicon.

I was thinking the same thing in this politicaly correct atmosphere. It is very appropriate name for this particular missle.

 

[WestSideLion]

I was thinking the same thing in this politicaly correct atmosphere. It is very appropriate name for this particular missle.

I imagine there would be lawsuits if they dubbed it “The Vitamix” missile.

 

[Nitt1300]

If only Clifford had this sort of accuracy.

he can hit the ocean, at least

 

[BobPSU92]

he can hit the ocean, at least

In practice.

 

[Midnighter]

On a more serious note, the blades on the R9X are 1 meter long giving it a kill diameter of over 2 meters, which seems like a bunch but when fired from a great distance is actually quite impressive.

View attachment 219086

 

[BrucePa]

I know that the Pentagon has expended a lot of effort on the subject of collateral damage. The problem with most missiles -- be they launched from unmanned systems or helicopters, or cruise missiles -- is not merely the warhead, but also the vehicle casing and unspent fuel. Precision guidance enables flying the weapon through a window, but what good is it if the entire building goes up in the resultant explosion?

 

[nittanyfan333]

I know that the Pentagon has expended a lot of effort on the subject of collateral damage. The problem with most missiles -- be they launched from unmanned systems or helicopters, or cruise missiles -- is not merely the warhead, but also the vehicle casing and unspent fuel. Precision guidance enables flying the weapon through a window, but what good is it if the entire building goes up in the resultant explosion?

that’s why if you watch the progression to the P then the R9 E/H and now the X, it’s all been about lowering CDE. But that’s not in a vacuum as the guidance has had to keep up with it. If you’re going to literally put “warheads on foreheads” from halfway around the world and from FL200, the guidance has to mirror the munition for low CDE. It’s freaking amazing to see the progression. Think of the video quality progression as over the air TV with rabbit ears to current OLED HD. Try having a low CDE weapon with over the air with rabbit ears quality feeds.


It’s insane…..

 

[JakkL]

Does it have an onboard high speed camera?

 

[nittanyfan333]

Does it have an onboard high speed camera?

no

 

[Woodpecker]

From 6 years ago ...

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Probably not very nice to say, but I’d have had no problem if the strike had wiped out his family and friends, too.

 

[Nitt1300]

Probably not very nice to say, but I’d have had no problem if the strike had wiped out his family and friends, too.

no it isn't- but neither would I

 

[WestSideLion]

Probably not very nice to say, but I’d have had no problem if the strike had wiped out his family and friends, too.

One might hypothesize that the folks hiding him in that safe house weren’t the type you want running loose in the world.

The concern was likely surrounding structures and collateral damage and lives lost.

The result is still good. Now the world of bad people understands in vivid detail what the CIA and US Military is capable of.

Think leaders in Iran, North Korea and Russia swallowed hard at that news?

 

[L.A.Lion]

The R9X is a specific of AGM-114 Hellfire, a type of precision-guided rocket originally developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin as the anti-tank "Heliborne, Laser, Fire, and Forget Missile," later shortened to Hellfire. They are now typically fired from drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. Unlike most Hellfires, the R9X doesn't have a conventional explosive warhead. Instead, it has six rotating blades that cut through the target.

Will this replace the Veg-O-Matic?

Was he sliced, diced, or julienned? Inquiring minds want to know!