Guided Bombs and the Ground Commander.
Abstract
Guided bombs have entered the inventory of US Air Force weapons and were used extensively during the 1972 interdiction campaign over North Vietnam. Possible employment of these weapons in a close air support role was examined with emphasis on capabilities and limitations that affect employment doctrine. Analysis of numerous and varied interdiction missions using guided bombs indicates that bomb accuracies of less than thirty feet are expected. The weapons are reliable but a rare malfunction of the guidance kit may result in weapon impacts of 500 meters from the target. It is concluded that use of the weapons in a close air support role affords precise delivery of 500, 2000 or 3000 lb bombs. However the ground commander should fully understand the capabilities and limitations of the systems prior to requesting these weapons for a close-in fight. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0911120
Entities
People
- Richard D. Hilton
Organizations
- United States Army War College