X72-11 AIRCRAFT WEAPONS VI U.S. SMART BOMBS

GBU-24 Paveway III is a modern American laser guided aerial bomb. It is capable of carrying explosives (H-6) weighing up to 429 kg, with a total curb weight of up to 1085 kg. The unit cost of the bomb in 2001 was estimated at $ 55,600 (USD). The GBU-24 Paveway was developed from the traditional Mk. 84 with a weight of 909 kg or a special penetrating bomb BLU-109. The modernization of both types of bombs consisted in adding a special head guiding the laser beam and ailerons to correct the fall of the bomb. The first element was originally developed by Texas Instruments, which later became part of Raytheon. In the course of serial production, three models of this bomb were created. The first is the GBU-24 / B, which is based on the Mk.84 bomb. The second model is the GBU-24A / B, which was based on the BLU-109 bomb. The third version is the GBU-24B / B, which is still based on the BLU-109 penetration bomb, but uses a much more perfect and sensitive homing component. GBU-24 bombs can be carried by, among others: F-16 C / D Fighting Falcon, F-15 E Strike Eagle or F / A-18 Hornet.