Great Britain may transfer Paveway IV guided bombs to Ukraine. The weapons could come as part of a new military aid package, BBC correspondent Jonathan Beale said on Twitter.
What is known about weapons, what are the features and technical characteristics of Paveway IV guided bombs — in the material Facts ICTV.
Paveway IV bomb: what kind of weapon is it
Paveway IV — This is the latest version of the Paveway series of ammunition, which is manufactured by the British company Raytheon. The weapon is equipped with two guidance systems: laser and GPS. At the core — modified Mk 82 aerial bomb with increased penetration.
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Paveway IV guided bomb — This is an advanced precision weapon, the main weapon of the Royal Air Force, in operational use since 2008.
Paveway IV Bomb — This is a dual mode weapon. Can engage targets using GPS, laser guidance, or a combination of both. The aircraft pilot can pre-program the operating mode of the bomb detonator. This gives them flexibility when choosing strike tactics.
There are three such modes:
- air detonation of a bomb over the target;
- detonation after hitting the target with time delay;
- detonation after hitting the target.
Paveway IV has the following main parts:
- guidance system located in front;
- 500 lb warhead in the middle and back (can penetrate concrete);
- a tail section that guides the bomb, with a smart safety catch to control how it detonates.
The principle of operation is as follows — a laser beam with a code is released, after which the weapon searches for the reflected energy of the laser spot, which is projected onto the target, and aims at it.
Paveway IV guided bombs are planned to be installed on the new British F-35 Lightnings. They will transport them inside the jet bomb bay.
It is known that such bombs are used by the USA, England, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Paveway IV bomb: characteristics
- weight of one Paveway-IV bomb — 225 kg;
- length — 3.1 m;
- width — 0.42 m;
- ways to aim a bomb at a target — using GPS and laser;
- maximum range of dropping a bomb from the target is more than 30 km.
The bomb costs approximately £30,000.
Source: Forces
