Paveway

Paveway is a family of laser-guided bombs (LGBs) developed for precision strike by military forces, primarily in the United States. The system uses semi-active laser guidance: an aircraft or ground designator illuminates the target with a laser, and a seeker in the bomb homes in on the reflected energy to steer the weapon to impact. Paveway weapons are designed to be lightweight enough to be carried by a range of fighter aircraft and adaptable to multiple warhead bodies.

The lineage includes multiple generations, with each redesign improving guidance performance, reliability, and compatibility. Paveway I was the original concept, while Paveway II introduced an upgraded tail kit and more accurate guidance suitable for several bomb bodies, such as lighter or heavier configurations. Paveway III added further enhancements, including more advanced flight control and, in many variants, dual-mode GPS/INS guidance to reduce dependence on continuous laser designation and to extend engagement options.

Variants use designations such as GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-16, and GBU-24, which denote different bomb bodies and weights (for example, 2,000-pound, 500-pound, and 1,000-pound classes) equipped with Paveway guidance packages. The designation “GBU” stands for guided bomb unit, reflecting the integration of a conventional warhead with the LGB guidance system.

Operational history indicates widespread deployment by the United States and allied forces since the late 1960s, with use in multiple conflicts. Paveway-equipped bombs have been launched from various platforms, including fighter and attack aircraft, and have been continuously updated to improve accuracy, interoperability, and compatibility with modern targeting and designation systems.