Precision-guided
munitions (PGMs), also nicknamed smart bombs or smart weapons, are a type of
weapon that use guidance systems to hit specific targets with a high degree of
accuracy. This helps to minimize collateral damage, which is the unintended
injury or destruction of people or property that are not involved in the
fighting.
PGMs
typically use a combination of different guidance systems, such as:
·
GPS (Global
Positioning System): GPS uses satellites to provide very accurate location
data. PGMs can use GPS to navigate to a target's coordinates.
·
Laser guidance:
Laser guidance systems use a laser beam to illuminate a target. The PGM homes
in on the reflected laser light.
·
Inertial
navigation systems (INS): INS are self-contained navigation systems that use
gyroscopes and accelerometers to track the PGM's movement. INS can be used to
guide the PGM during the initial part of its flight, until it can acquire a
signal from another guidance system.
PGMs
can be launched from a variety of platforms, including airplanes, ships, and
ground vehicles. They are used in a variety of military operations, including
air strikes, ground attacks, and anti-ship warfare.
The
use of PGMs has revolutionized warfare by making it possible to strike targets
with much greater accuracy than ever before. This has led to a reduction in
collateral damage and civilian casualties. However, PGMs are also very
expensive, and their use can raise ethical concerns, such as the possibility of
making war more likely.
Precision
Guided Munition (PGM) refers to a type of weapon that uses guidance systems to
accurately hit a specific target. Unlike traditional munitions, which rely on
unguided propulsion and are generally less accurate, PGMs utilize various
guidance technologies such as GPS, laser guidance, or inertial navigation
systems to precisely direct the weapon to its intended target.
The
advantages of precision-guided munitions include reduced collateral damage,
improved effectiveness against high-value targets, and the ability to strike
targets with greater accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions. These
munitions are extensively used in modern military operations to minimize
civilian casualties and infrastructure damage while maximizing operational
effectiveness. Examples of precision-guided munitions include guided bombs,
missiles, and artillery shells.
Major
Precision Guided Munition companies are setting the standard for performance
and quality that is unsurpassed.
Lockheed Martin Corporation: Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace,
defense, security, and advanced technologies company. They are known for
producing a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including the Joint
Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Hellfire missiles, and the Long Range Anti-Ship
Missile (LRASM). Lockheed Martin is a leader in developing advanced guidance
systems for various types of munitions.
Raytheon Technologies Corporation: Raytheon is another prominent player in the
precision-guided munitions market. They specialize in producing advanced
missile systems, including the Paveway series of laser-guided bombs, the
Tomahawk cruise missile, and the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air
Missile (AMRAAM). Raytheon's expertise lies in both air-to-ground and
air-to-air precision strike capabilities.
Boeing Company: Boeing is a major aerospace and defense
contractor that manufactures a variety of precision-guided munitions. They are
known for the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, which convert unguided
bombs into precision-guided munitions. Boeing also produces the Harpoon
anti-ship missile and the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), among other guided weapons
systems.
Northrop Grumman Corporation: Northrop Grumman is involved in the
development and production of precision-guided munitions, particularly in the
realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones. They manufacture the Joint
Standoff Weapon (JSOW) and the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), both of
which are highly accurate and versatile munitions used by various branches of
the U.S. military and allied forces.
MBDA: MBDA is a European multinational company
specializing in missile systems. They produce a wide range of precision-guided
munitions for air, land, and sea applications. MBDA's products include the
Brimstone missile, Storm Shadow cruise missile, and the Spear family of
precision-guided munitions. They are a significant player in the European
defense market.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael is an Israeli defense technology
company known for its development of precision-guided munitions and missile
defense systems. They produce the Spike family of guided missiles, which
includes anti-tank, anti-ship, and surface-to-surface variants. Rafael's
expertise lies in innovative guidance technologies and multi-role missile
systems.
Thales Group: Thales is a French multinational company that
produces a range of defense and aerospace technologies, including
precision-guided munitions. They manufacture the Scalp cruise missile and the
BAT-120 gliding munition, among others. Thales specializes in providing
integrated solutions for air, land, and naval platforms.