Precision-guided munition

A smart bomb or smart ammunition is a kind of weapon that is able to hit a target more precisely. It will therefore do more damage to the intended target, and ideally, there will be less collateral damage.[1] Officially, these bombs are called Precision-guided munition, or PGM.

Such ammunition or bombs have the ability to influence their course, after they have been launched.

Usually, such weapons have sensors, for example for:

  • Detecting their position, for example by using GPS.
  • detecting light, infrared or radar signals
  • Empennage (also called tail assembly) that allows them to change their course
  • A battery, as a source of energy.

During the First Gulf War guided munitions were only 9% of weapons fired, but they accounted for 75% of all successful hits. Despite guided weapons generally being used on more difficult targets, they were still 35 times more likely to destroy their targets per weapon dropped.[2]

Precision-guided Munition Media

References

  1. Hallion, Richard (1995). "Precision guided munitions and the new era of warfare". Air Power Studies Centre, Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 2009-02-02.
  2. Bursts of Brilliance - The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/2002/12/15/bursts-of-brilliance/0c06b132-2d70-41e6-882e-5c4ece8f5fcf/.