April 18,
2008:
The U.S. Air Force has received the first of 600 laser guidance kits for
JDAM bombs. The laser kit is easily installed on existing JDAM kits for 500
pound bombs. This makes the JDAM much more accurate (hitting within 1-2 meters,
rather than ten). The laser guidance also enables the JDAM to hit a fast moving
(up to about 110 kilometers an hour) target. This means, if the bad guys are
driving away, you can still get them with a laser JDAM. The laser guidance
homes in on laser light reflected off the target. Laser designators (which look
like a large video camera on a tripod), have a range (depending on type) of 5-10 kilometers.