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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

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