RES/KIT 72-0052 GBU-12 'Paveway II' Laser Guided Bombs (2pcs) (F-4, F-5, A-10, F-16, F-15, F-111, Harrier, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Gripen, Tornado, Eurofighter, Kfir)

GBU-12 Paveway is a modern American laser guided aerial bomb. Its first prototypes appeared in the first half of the 1970s, and it was used by the US armed forces in 1976 and remains there to this day. GBU-12 is capable of carrying explosives (Tritonal and PBNX) weighing up to 87 kg with a total empty weight of 230 kg.

The GBU-12 Paveway was developed and manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, based on the traditional Mk. 82 with a weight of 227 kilograms. Modernization of the Mk. 82 consisted in adding a special head guiding the laser beam and ailerons correcting the fall of the bomb. The first element was originally developed by Texas Instruments, which later became part of Raytheon. GBU-12 requires highlighting with a laser target pointer. Two generations of these bombs appeared in the course of production. He represents the first GBU-12 Paveway I , the second is the GBU-12 Paveway II. The difference - apart from the design of the fins - is primarily that the Paveway II has a homing head that is cheaper to produce and more sensitive, which increases its accuracy and effectiveness. The main carrier of these bombs is the F-111 plane. In addition, it can be carried by, among others: F-15 Strike Eagle, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon or F / A-18 Hornet. In the course of Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991 bombs GBU-12 Paveway showed 88% effectiveness in hitting targets.