GBU-24 PAVEWAY BOMB

The GBU-24 PAVEWAY III is a laser-guided bomb (LGB) developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in the United States. It is part of the broader PAVEWAY series of precision-guided munitions, specifically designed to improve the accuracy of conventional bombs by converting them into smart bombs. Here's a brief history of the GBU-24 PAVEWAY III:

Development and Design:

1. Origins: The PAVEWAY series began in the 1960s with the development of the PAVEWAY I, which introduced laser guidance to conventional bombs. The success of PAVEWAY I and II during the Vietnam War led to the development of the more advanced PAVEWAY III series, which included the GBU-24.

2. Introduction: The GBU-24 PAVEWAY III was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s as an improvement over earlier PAVEWAY models. The goal was to increase accuracy and reduce the risk of collateral damage while enabling effective use against hardened or deeply buried targets.

3. Guidance System: The GBU-24 uses a more advanced guidance system compared to earlier models, including a seeker that can process a wider range of laser frequencies and a more sophisticated control system. This allows the bomb to make finer adjustments during its descent, leading to improved accuracy.

4. Warhead: The GBU-24 typically uses a BLU-109 or BLU-116 penetrator warhead, designed to penetrate fortified structures such as bunkers before detonating. This makes it particularly effective against hardened targets.

5. Deployment: The GBU-24 has been deployed in several conflicts since its introduction, including the Gulf War, Kosovo conflict, and more recent operations in the Middle East. Its precision and effectiveness against fortified targets have made it a valuable asset for U.S. and allied forces.

Operational Use:

1. Gulf War: The GBU-24 was notably used during the Gulf War in 1991, where its ability to destroy heavily fortified Iraqi bunkers demonstrated the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions.

2. Kosovo Conflict: During NATO's intervention in Kosovo in 1999, the GBU-24 was used to target Yugoslav military infrastructure, contributing to the success of the air campaign.

3. Modern Conflicts: The GBU-24 continues to be used in various modern conflicts, particularly in situations where precision strikes on fortified targets are necessary.

Impact:

1. Precision Warfare: The GBU-24 represents a significant step forward in the development of precision-guided munitions. Its ability to deliver a large warhead with high accuracy has influenced military tactics, particularly in air-to-ground operations.

2. Technological Advancement: The development of the GBU-24 helped pave the way for further advancements in smart bomb technology, including GPS-guided munitions and more sophisticated laser guidance systems.

3. Global Use: While originally developed for the U.S. military, the GBU-24 has been exported to several allied nations, expanding its use globally.

In summary, the GBU-24 PAVEWAY III is a crucial part of the evolution of precision-guided munitions, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining conventional warheads with advanced guidance systems to achieve highly accurate and effective strikes against a variety of targets.

(Yes I used chatgpt to write the history of the bomb since I'm lazy lmao)

Fixed version here🔽

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/yjD276/GBU-24-PAVEWAY-III-fixed