GBU-12/16/10

Laser guided amunition (Paveway 2)

Paveway II – GBU-12/16/10 Overview
Using Paveway II Bombs (GBU-10/12/16) with the ATFLIR

Paveway II – GBU-12/16/10 Overview

The Paveway II family of Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) are precision strike weapons that guide onto a coded infrared laser spot, typically designated by the launching aircraft, a wingman (buddy lasing), or a JTAC.

They’re ideal for stationary or slow-moving targets in clear weather, especially when collateral damage must be minimized.

🧱 Bomb Breakdown

Variant	Warhead	Weight	Based On
GBU-10	Mk-84	2000 lb	High-drag general-purpose bomb
GBU-16	Mk-83	1000 lb	Balanced between punch and weight
GBU-12	Mk-82	500 lb	Lightest, best for CAS or precision strikes

Each LGB consists of:

A Mk 8x series bomb body
A laser seeker head
A guidance computer
A maneuvering tail kit

🎯 Guidance Principles

Seeks reflected laser energy from a specific 4-digit laser code (e.g., 1688)
Can only guide when laser is active and visible to seeker
No GPS – loses guidance if the laser is blocked or turned off
Best for direct line-of-sight attacks in clear weather
Cannot guide behind mountains, through clouds, or if laser is obstructed

📏 Range & Employment Envelope

Altitude	Release Range (approx.)
20,000 ft	7–8 nm
10,000 ft	3–4 nm
5,000 ft	1.5–2.5 nm

Higher altitude = greater standoff, but increased exposure to SAMs.

🧠 Best Use Cases

Static SAM sites
Buildings, bunkers
Vehicles and convoys (stationary or slow)
Bridges, radars
Situations requiring surgical precision or minimum collateral damage

⚠️ Limitations

Must maintain line of sight to target during guidance
Weather and terrain can break the laser
Laser code must match between seeker and designator
Not fire-and-forget — pilot or buddy must continuously lase

Using Paveway II Bombs (GBU-10/12/16) with the ATFLIR

With the ATFLIR pod, the F/A-18C can independently find, designate, and guide laser-guided bombs with precision. Here’s how to use the Paveway II series step-by-step in DCS.

✅ Loadout Prep

Equip the desired LGB(s) and the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pod
Ensure your laser code (default: 1688) matches what’s set on the bomb(s)

You can set laser codes in the rearming menu or use the Ground Crew > Rearm&Refuel > Laser Code option in the comms menu.

🧰 Cockpit Setup

Master Arm: ON
A/G Master Mode
FLIR: ON
- Select FLIR page on the DDI
- Ensure ATFLIR is warmed up and functioning
Laser: ARM
- On the FLIR page, box LTD/R (arms the laser designator)
- Box TRIG to enable manual lasing (if wanted)

🖥️ FLIR Targeting

Use the Sensor Control Switch (SCS) to give the FLIR page TDC priority.
Slew the targeting pod onto the target using the TDC.
Press TDC depress to designate the target.
Pod should enter AUTO (point track) if on a valid target.

🎯 Manual vs. Auto Lasing

Method	Description
Manual Lasing	TRIG boxed → pilot must hold trigger (second detent) to fire laser
Auto Lasing	TRIG unboxed → aircraft fires laser automatically ~10 sec before impact

For most cases, auto lasing is safer and reduces pilot workload. Use manual lasing when timing is critical or when buddy lasing.