Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB)

The Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round (ELGTR) offers a simulated environment, resembling real mission ambience. Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Flight tests of the Paveway II Plus LGB were completed in 2010. Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Paveway II Plus LGB typically carries MK-80 and BLU-109 series warheads. Image: courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) is an advanced, lightweight laser-guided munition developed jointly by Lockheed Martin Corporation and Raytheon Company.

The LGB is a highly reliable weapon with great accuracy to enable fighter aircraft to engage targets in the most adverse conditions.

The laser-guided bomb was successfully tested and qualified aboard the F/A-18 Super Hornet during a series of flight tests in February 2010. The flight tests involved the launch of four GBU-10 variants from two Super Hornets of the US Navy. The tests proved the performance and precise guidance characteristics of the Paveway II Plus LGB.

Paveway II Plus LGB variants

The laser-guided bomb is available in three different variants including Guided Bomb Unit (GBU-10 (MK-84)), GBU-12 (MK-82) and GBU-16 (MK-83).

The revolutionary air-to-ground warfare ammunition variant GBU-10 (MK-84) includes an unguided MK-84 bomb weighing 2,000lb. The GBU-12 is based on the 500lb MK-82, while the GBU-16 variant integrates an MK-83 bomb weighing 1,000lb.

Paveway II Plus LGB orders and deliveries

Lockheed Martin secured a $22m contract from the US Air Force to deliver tail kits (airfoil groups) and laser guidance kits for the GBU-12 configured LGBs, in December 2017. Deliveries are expected to commence in the final quarter of 2019.

The US Government authorised the foreign military sales (FMS) contract for the delivery of Paveway II Plus laser-guided bombs (LGB) to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in November 2017.

The RSAF is expected to acquire 40 GBU-10 Paveway II Plus LGB units and 84 GBU-12 Paveway II Plus LGB units under the FMS programme. The LGBs will be deployed on Peace Carvin V F-15SG training aircraft in the Mountain Home Air Force Base.

In October 2017, the US Air Force awarded a $131m contract to Lockheed Martin to continue the production of the laser guidance kits. Lockheed will produce airfoil groups and advanced guidance packages for GBU-10 and GBU-12 versions of Paveway II Plus. The production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2018.

Raytheon Missile Systems and Lockheed Martin were awarded contract modifications worth $649.7m to produce Paveway II laser-guided bombs for the USAF in May 2016.

Design and features of Paveway II Plus LGB

The Paveway II Plus LGB employs a simpler design, advanced aerodynamic properties and precision guidance systems to achieve superior target engagement capability. It is compatible with the existing Paveway II LGB weapon handling systems.

The advanced guidance system of the Paveway II Plus can be integrated with conventional gravity bombs to transform them into precision-guided munitions. The munition offers a shelf life of ten years.

The Paveway II Plus LGB employs a semi-active laser seeker for guidance. The canards are equipped with pneumatic controls, while the airfoil group (AFG) integrates extendable wings for lift and stability.

The MAU-209C/B computer control group (CCG) of the LGB offers high-compatibility with the existing weapon configurations and supports the integration of BLU-109 and MK 80 series warheads.

The LGB is further equipped with glass detector lenses and composite aluminium detector housings.

Paveway II Plus LGB warhead

The enhanced version of Paveway II LGB  is cable of carrying the MK-82, MK-83, MK-84 and BLU-109 warheads. The MK-80 series and BLU-109 warheads are developed by General Dynamics for the US Department of Defence. The warheads can be used for tactical applications and training purposes.