The Paveway series of bombs primarily utilize which type of guidance?

• A. GPS
• B. Laser
• C. Inertial
• D. Radar

Answer: (B)

Laser guidance is what defines the Paveway family. These bombs use a semi-active laser seeker in the nose that detects energy reflected off a laser designator aimed at the target by the aircraft or a ground team. The designator illuminates the target, the bomb’s seeker homes in on the reflected laser energy, and control fins steer the bomb to the target. This method provides high accuracy against both moving and stationary targets and allows designation from standoff ranges. Other guidance concepts exist in different weapons—GPS guidance is typical of other systems like JDAM, while inertial guidance alone doesn’t image a designated target, and radar-guided munitions belong to a different family. So, the Paveway bombs are primarily laser-guided.