Fact file: Smart bombs - Laser guidance

Fact file: Smart bombs - Laser guidance

	Introduction
	TV guidance
	Laser
	JDAM
	Lantirn
	Not so smart

Soldiers on the ground help target the bomb

Laser-guided bombs such as the Paveway II and III can home in on a coded pulse laser light which is shone onto a target.

The laser source can be the attacking aircraft, another aircraft, or troops on the ground - perhaps more than 10 miles (16km) away.

The laser light reflects off the target to form an inverted cone or "basket".

The attacking aircraft releases the bomb into the cone. The bomb recognises the cone and flies down it, steering itself with fins.

The laser equipment, once "locked" onto the target, can remain pointing at it even if the target or the laser source moves.

But the bomb needs to have the target "designated" - illuminated by the laser - all the time until it is about to hit, or it will lose its way.

Upgrade

An upgraded version - Enhanced Paveway - was developed in response to an "urgent operational requirement" issued by the Royal Air Force after its problems in Kosovo.

It adds satellite guidance so the weapons can be used against targets obscured by cloud or smoke.

This also lets the weapon correct its course better if blown about by turbulence in the air.