GAURAV LONG RANGE GLIDE BOMB

Source: PIB

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Context

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out successful maiden flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), GAURAV from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The test was conducted off the coast of Odisha.

Details

Long-Range Glide Bombs (LRGBs)

• Long-Range Glide Bombs (LRGBs) are precision-guided munitions designed to be released from aircraft, glide over long distances, and accurately strike targets while keeping the launching platform out of enemy defense ranges.
• Purpose:These bombs are used to destroy high-value targets with precision while minimizing the risk to the aircraft and avoiding collateral damage.
• Significance:LRGBs provide a standoff capability, allowing air forces to engage targets deep within enemy territory without exposing their aircraft to high-threat environments.

Evolution and Development of LRGBs

• Early Developments:
  • • World War II Era:The concept of glide bombs originated during World War II with weapons like the German Fritz X, which was a radio-guided bomb designed to destroy heavily armored ships.
    • Cold War Era:Early LRGBs were rudimentary, using simple wings for extended range and basic guidance systems, but their accuracy was limited.
• Modern Advancements:
  • • GPS/INS Integration:The integration of GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) in the 1990s improved accuracy, allowing LRGBs to hit targets with high precision over long distances.
    • Advanced Guidance Systems:Modern LRGBs are equipped with multi-mode seekers (GPS, laser, and infrared) that enhance targeting accuracy, even in contested environments.
    • Stealth and Low Observability:Some LRGBs are designed with low-observable (stealth) features to reduce radar cross-section, making them harder to detect and intercept.

Key Features of LRGBs

• Extended Range:LRGBs can glide over distances ranging from 50 km to over 100 km, depending on the altitude and speed of the launching aircraft.
• Precision Strike Capability:Advanced guidance systems enable LRGBs to strike within a few meters of the intended target, making them suitable for use against high-value and fortified targets.
• Standoff Capability:Allows the launching aircraft to remain outside the range of enemy air defenses, reducing the risk to the aircraft and its crew.
• Modular Warheads:Some LRGBs can be equipped with different types of warheads (e.g., high-explosive, bunker-buster) depending on the mission requirements.

Types of LRGBs

• GPS/INS Guided LRGBs:
  • • Utilize GPS and INS for navigation and target accuracy.
    • Examples: JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition - Extended Range), which transforms unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions with extended range.
• Laser-Guided LRGBs:
  • • Use a laser designator to guide the bomb to its target, often used in dynamic targeting scenarios.
    • Examples: GBU-54 Laser JDAM, which combines GPS/INS guidance with laser homing capability.
• Infrared/Optical Seeker LRGBs:
  • • Equipped with imaging infrared or optical seekers for terminal guidance, allowing for target recognition and discrimination.
    • Examples: Spice 2000, an Israeli-developed bomb with an imaging seeker for high accuracy.

Tactical and Strategic Implications

• Operational Flexibility:LRGBs provide military commanders with flexible options for engaging targets in heavily defended or politically sensitive areas.
• Cost-Effectiveness:LRGBs are more cost-effective compared to cruise missiles while still offering high precision and long-range capabilities.
• Deterrence:The availability of LRGBs enhances deterrence by providing a credible, precise strike option without the need for large-scale military interventions.

Long-Range Glide Bombs (LRGBs) across the world

Long-Range Glide Bombs in India

Key Developments

• Gaurav Long-Range Glide Bomb:
  • • The Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class air-launched LRGB developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • It was successfully flight-tested from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet.
    • This bomb is capable of hitting targets with pinpoint accuracy, employing a highly accurate hybrid navigation system.
• Khagantak Series:
  • • Developed by JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), the Khagantak series represents a leap forward in India's LRGB capabilities.
    • The Khagantak 306 and 243 variants offer operational ranges of 175 km and 144 km, respectively.
    • These bombs feature advanced GPS and ADC-coupled Navigation Systems that enhance resilience against jamming, ensuring accuracy even under adverse conditions.
    • The Khagantak bombs are also equipped with Wide Field of View Electro-Optical/Infrared (EQ/IR) seekers, which enhance long-range target detection.

Features and Capabilities

• Range and Precision:
  • • The Khagantak 306 and 243 glide bombs boast impressive glide ratios of over 12, allowing them to maintain high precision and maneuverability.
    • The Gaurav LRGB, with its hybrid navigation system, similarly offers high accuracy, ensuring effective target engagement at long distances.
• Standoff Capability: Both the Gaurav and Khagantak series emphasize standoff capability, enabling the delivery of munitions from a safe distance, thus reducing the risk to the platform and enhancing mission success.
• Indigenous Design and Production: The development of these LRGBs underscores India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defense production, reducing dependency on foreign technology and strengthening the country’s defense posture.

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Sources:

PIB