# 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**