Precision-guided munition
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A precision-guided munition (PGM), also called a smart weapon, smart munition, or smart bomb, is a guided munition intended to hit a specific target, to minimize collateral damage and increase lethality against intended targets. During the Persian Gulf War guided munitions accounted for only 9% of weapons fired, but 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.
A laser-guided GBU-24 (BLU-109 warhead variant) strikes its target
BOLT-117, the world's first laser-guided bomb
Diagram showing the operation of a laser-guided ammunition round. From a CIA report, 1986.
A F-22 releases a JDAM from its center internal bay while flying at supersonic speed
Guided bomb
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A guided bomb is a precision-guided munition designed to achieve a smaller circular error probable (CEP).
BOLT-117, the world's first laser-guided bomb
A laser-guided GBU-24 (BLU-109 warhead variant) strikes its target.
GBU-10 shortly before it impacts a small boat during a training exercise
An F-22 releases a JDAM from its center internal bay while flying at supersonic speed