The Takbir bomb is a weapons-guidance kit that is intended to convert the unguided ordnance into the into all-weather
precision-guided munitions
A precision-guided munition (PGM), also called a smart weapon, smart munition, or smart bomb, is a type of weapon system that integrates advanced guidance and control systems, such as Global Positioning System, GPS, laser guidance, or Infrared ...
(PGMs). Its functions are based on the American
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) system and it feature as a winged
glide bomb
A glide bomb or stand-off bomb is a standoff weapon with flight control surfaces to give it a flatter, gliding flight path than that of a conventional bomb without such surfaces. This allows it to be released at a distance from the target rat ...
, with internal guidance. It was revealed by Pakistani firm,
GIDS, to the public in 2014.
History
It was announced at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar in 2014.
It is unknown if it is a conversion of an existing
dumb bomb, a field add-on kit for existing bombs, or a new and integrated weapon. It resembles a typical dumb with an added dorsal housing and a pair of fold-out wings. There is also an extended nose. The guidance system is unknown but has been described as both GPS-based,
inertial guidance
An inertial navigation system (INS; also inertial guidance system, inertial instrument) is a navigation device that uses motion sensors (accelerometers), rotation sensors ( gyroscopes) and a computer to continuously calculate by dead reckoning ...
and possibly having some form of optical
terminal guidance
In the field of weaponry, terminal guidance refers to any guidance system that is primarily or solely active during the "terminal phase", just before the weapon impacts its target. The term is generally used in reference to missile guidance syst ...
.
Pakistan has previously used the Chinese
LS-6 glide bomb with their
JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The Takbir appears to be an indigenously produced development of the LS-6, although the nose extension is a new feature.
A weapon test in March 2019 involving the JF-17 may have been the first public test of the Takbir, although details in the released video were blacked out.
The bomb has a range of about 80 to 100 km, and it can carry 200 to 250 kg of explosive material. The bomb can be guided through a satellite or launched from an aircraft. A fighter pilot launching the bomb can add or modify information about the target. As it is fired from an aircraft, its folded wings unfold and it glides towards its target. It can dodge obstacles obstructing its path toward its destination.
Its flight system is based on gliding, by using the bomb's inertia. By using this bomb a pilot can hit their target without entering an enemy's territory.
Operational use
The smart bomb was seen being fired from a JF-17 Thunder during a live firing exercise by the Pakistan Air Force in 2019.
Operators
*
**
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) (; ) is the aerial warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces, tasked primarily with the aerial defence of Pakistan, with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy when re ...
Specifications
*Range: 80–100 km
*Weight: 250 kg
See also
*
JDAM
References
GIDS products
Aerial bombs of Pakistan
Guided bombs
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