It is used as a replacement for the Chimeran Sentry Gun (possibly because of the fact that humans can use sentry guns against the Chimera). Instead of firing large slugs, it fires a continuous beam of energy that sets the targets on fire, and in rare cases completely vaporizes it. Although it deals massive damage to targets, force barriers are surprisingly unaffected and should be used if no cover is available. The only way to disable or neutralize a Hellfire turret is deactivating it from the rear or with air support.