How much does a laser-guided bomb cost?
The GBU-12 Paveway II is an American aerial laser-guided bomb, based on the Mk 82 500-pound (227 kg) general-purpose bomb, but with the addition of a nose-mounted laser seeker and fins for guidance….
| GBU-12 Paveway II | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Unit cost | US $21,896 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 230 kg (510 lb) |
How does a laser-guided bomb work?
In bombs with the laser-guidance system, commonly called laser-guided bombs, the target is illuminated by a laser beam from the releasing aircraft, another target-control aircraft, or a ground force unit. Sensors in the bomb’s nose lock onto the reflections of the laser beam and follow them down to the target.
How much do guided bombs cost?
Guided weapons are sold for $15,000 for the cheapest laser-guided types, to quarter of a million apiece, for the most versatile, and sophisticated models, providing stand-off, autonomous, off-boresight attack modes.
How accurate are laser-guided bombs?
An Air Force study found that LGBs were “100 to 200 times as effective as conventional bombs against very hard targets and 20 to 40 times more effective against soft and area targets.” Laser-guided bombs were used in about 10 percent of the attacks on enemy tanks but accounted for 22 percent of the tanks destroyed.
How much is a Hellfire missile cost?
| AGM-114 Hellfire | |
|---|---|
| Unit cost | US$150,000 (FY 2021) US$117,000 (FY2017) |
| Produced | 1974–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 100–108 lb (45–49 kg) |
Does Russia have laser-guided bombs?
The KAB-500L is a laser-guided bomb developed by the Soviet Air Force, entering service in 1975. It remains in service with the CIS and post-Soviet Russian Air Force. The technology of KAB-500L is also used for larger bombs, such as the KAB-1500L family. It is also deployed by the Indian Air Force.
When was the LGB laser guided bomb tested?
The LGB is a highly reliable weapon with great accuracy to enable fighter aircraft to engage targets in the most adverse conditions. The laser-guided bomb was successfully tested and qualified aboard the F/A-18 Super Hornet during a series of flight tests in February 2010.
What kind of laser guided bomb is the GBU-12?
The GBU-12 is based on the 500lb MK-82, while the GBU-16 variant integrates an MK-83 bomb weighing 1,000lb. Lockheed Martin secured a $22m contract from the US Air Force to deliver tail kits (airfoil groups) and laser guidance kits for the GBU-12 configured LGBs, in December 2017.
What are the different types of laser guided bombs?
The laser-guided bomb is available in three different variants including Guided Bomb Unit (GBU-10 (MK-84)), GBU-12 (MK-82) and GBU-16 (MK-83). The revolutionary air-to-ground warfare ammunition variant GBU-10 (MK-84) includes an unguided MK-84 bomb weighing 2,000lb.
Is the PAVEWAY 2 plus a laser guided bomb?
The Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) is an advanced, lightweight laser-guided munition developed jointly by Lockheed Martin Corporation and Raytheon Company. The LGB is a highly reliable weapon with great accuracy to enable fighter aircraft to engage targets in the most adverse conditions.