GBU-12/16/10 Laser guided amunition (Paveway 2) 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. 🚀 Bomb Release Switch to AUTO release mode by unboxing TRIG  (recommended). Fly the steering line until the release cue appears. Weapon releases when you hold the pickle button over the drop line. Maintain line of sight to the target until impact. ✅ Successful Hit Checklist LTD/R boxed TRIG boxed (if using manual lasing) Laser code matches bomb TGT designated in FLIR Laser is fired on time Line of sight is maintained until impact 🧪 Tips & Notes Stay above 6,000 ft AGL for safe lasing distance. Lase 8–10 seconds before impact in manual mode. Use NARROW FOV and Zoom Level 2 for precision. Switch to IR mode at night or in poor lighting.