Smarter weapon paves the way ahead

The weapon, known as Paveway IV will be fitted to the Harrier GR9s, Tornado GR4s, Typhoon and ultimately the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The highly sophisticated weapon, provided by Raytheon Systems Ltd, UK, provides a through-cloud day and night precision bombing capability and can be guided on to a target through use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology or through laser guidance.

The GPS means targets can be manually programmed using target coordinates provided by Forward Air Controllers (FACs) and pilots can also programme the weapon from the cockpit while still on the ground for pre-planned targets or while the aircraft is in flight using data provided by the aircraft's on-board sensors.

The laser guidance system enables the pilot or FACs to visually acquire targets and execute attacks in support of ground operations.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

"Paveway IV is providing our Armed Forces with the very best technology for operations with its all-weather, day and night precision bombing capability.

"The Paveway IV's sophisticated guidance system and sensors will give new levels of flexibility to our pilots allowing them to switch targets mid-flight and rapidly respond to changing factors on the ground. This is a highly sophisticated weapon which will be used across our fast jet fleet from Harriers, Tornados to Typhoons."

The Defence Equipment and Support project team leader Captain Howard Holdsworth, Royal Navy, said:

"Paveway IV will provide those at the front line with a hugely flexible and very welcome capability. This is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work on the part of the stakeholder community, both in the MOD and Industry.

"We can be justifiably proud of our achievements; Paveway IV is a very capable weapon system indeed."

Paveway IV is half the weight of the current Enhanced Paveway 2 weapon currently used on Harriers and Tornado GR4s.

The weapon is fitted with a proximity sensor for detonation of the weapon above target and this significant capability brings the ability to selectively programme the fuze target effects from the cockpit. This means the pilot can select the angle at which the weapon impacts the target and also the direction from which it approaches the target. This allows the pilot to select the optimal impact conditions to maximise the effect of the 500lb (227kg) warhead.

Raytheon Systems Limited, UK, is the Coordinating Design Organisation and Prime Contractor for the Weapon System, with Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS), Tucson, responsible for the design of the warhead. General Dynamics, Dallas, is responsible for warhead case manufacture and SEI, SpA, Sardinia, provides the explosive fill. RMS also design and manufacture the Weapon Guidance Section, and Thales Missile Electronics, Basingstoke, are responsible for the design and manufacture of the fuze.