Definition

Noun: A laser-guided bomb (LGB) is a type of precision-guided munition. It is a "smart bomb" that detects laser light reflected from a target. The bomb uses this reflected laser energy to guide and correct its flight path onto the intended target.

Usage

The term LGB is used to describe a specific class of aerial munitions designed for high accuracy. * The military used an LGB to destroy the enemy command bunker with minimal collateral damage. * The effectiveness of an LGB depends on the ability of a designator to maintain a laser lock on the target.

Advanced Usage

• As an initialism: LGB is almost always used as an initialism in technical, military, and defense industry contexts. It is pronounced by saying each letter: "el-gee-bee."
• Operational limitation: A key characteristic of LGB technology is its dependence on a clear line of sight for the laser designator, as noted in the reference context.

Variants and Related Words

• Laser-guided bomb: The full, non-abbreviated form of the term.
• Precision-guided munition (PGM): The broader category of weapons to which an LGB belongs.
• GBU: A common U.S. military designation series for guided bombs, many of which are LGBs (e.g., GBU-12).

Synonyms

• Smart bomb
• Precision-guided bomb

Related Terms

• Laser designator: The device used to "paint" or mark the target with a laser beam for the LGB to follow.
• JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition): A different type of guidance kit that uses GPS/INS, contrasting with LGBs as it is not affected by weather.

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