Definition

Noun: A laser-guided bomb is a type of precision-guided munition, or "smart bomb," that uses a laser designator to find its target. The bomb detects laser light that has been pointed at and reflected from a target, then uses this signal to steer itself and correct its flight path for an accurate strike.

Examples of Usage

• The military used a laser-guided bomb to destroy the enemy command bunker with minimal collateral damage.
• A key limitation of the laser-guided bomb is its dependence on a clear line of sight between the designator and the target.
• The pilot released the laser-guided bomb, which then followed the laser spot painted on the bridge by a ground team.

Advanced Usage

• "to designate a target for a laser-guided bomb": This phrase describes the action of marking a target with a laser designator so the bomb can find it.
  • The special forces team moved forward to designate the target for the incoming laser-guided bomb.

Variants and Related Words

• Smart Bomb (n): A general term for a bomb with a guidance system, which includes laser-guided, GPS-guided, and television-guided bombs.
• Laser Designator (n): The device used to "paint" or mark a target with a laser beam for a laser-guided weapon.
• Precision-Guided Munition (PGM) (n): The formal military category for weapons like laser-guided bombs.

Synonyms

• Precision-guided bomb
• Smart munition (broader category)

Related Phrases

• "Laser-guided": This adjective form can describe other weapons or systems, such as a or . The core meaning of using a laser for targeting remains the same.
• "To lase a target": A military jargon verb meaning to illuminate a target with a laser designator.
  • The drone will lase the target for the fighter jets.

Important Notes on Meaning

The definition highlights a critical operational constraint: laser-guided bombs cannot be used in cloudy weather. This is because clouds, smoke, or heavy fog can scatter or block the laser beam, preventing the bomb from seeing the reflected spot and thus losing its guidance. This distinguishes it from other guided weapons like GPS-guided bombs, which are all-weather capable.

Noun

1. a smart bomb that seeks the laser light reflected off of the target and uses it to correct its descent
   • laser-guided bombs cannot be used in cloudy weather