Yes, you did.
The USA dropped laser-guided bombs (LGBs) during the Vietnam War, marking a significant advancement in bombing accuracy.
Development and Deployment
- First Use: Laser-guided bombs were first used operationally in 1968.
- Accuracy Improvement: These bombs achieved direct hits nearly 50% of the time, compared to just 5.5% for unguided bombs.
Impact on Targeting
- Difficult Targets: LGBs were particularly effective against challenging fixed targets, such as bridges and bunkers.
- Notable Success: A famous example is the Thanh Hoa Bridge, which had resisted 871 previous bombing sorties. In 1972, 14 jets using Paveway bombs successfully destroyed it.
Advantages of Laser-Guided Bombs
- Reduced Collateral Damage: The precision of LGBs allowed for smaller explosive loads, minimizing unintended damage.
- Guidance Technology: These bombs used semi-active laser guidance, requiring a separate source to illuminate the target.
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