GBU-16 — GBU-16

Designation

GBU-16

Compatible aircraft

FA18C, AV8B

Length: 3.7 metres (12 ft)
Diameter: 360 millimetres (14 in)
Maximum firing range: Over 14.8 kilometres (8.0 nmi)
Filling weight: 202 kilograms (445 lb)

The Paveway II is a series of laser-guided bombs based on conventional general-purpose bombs. The guidance kit consists of a laser detector and processor in the front and a set of steering fins in the back. The bomb detects and tracks reflected laser energy off a target. The laser designation can come from the launching aircraft, another aircraft (“buddy lasing”), or from a laser-capable ground unit such as a JTAC.

The Paveway II series was introduced in the early 1970s to replace the first-generation Paveway series of laser-guided bombs. The Paveway II improved sensor reliability and added extendible rear fins to extend glide range. The Paveway II series uses “bang-bang” control (where the fins can only deflect fully in either direction), limiting its maximum range and forcing it to follow a sinusoidal path to the target. 

The GBU-16 Paveway II bomb is based on the Mk. 83, a 1000-pound conventional bomb.