Operational Purpose and Role

LGK is designed to upgrade existing unguided bomb inventories into precision strike weapons. Its primary operational role is to enable accurate air-to-ground engagement against both stationary and moving targets while minimizing collateral damage.

The system is optimized for close air support (CAS), tactical battlefield interdiction, counter-terror operations, anti-armor missions, and urban precision strikes where discrimination and reduced secondary damage are essential.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

LGK operates under air-to-ground precision strike doctrine. The engagement principle is based on semi-active laser (SAL) guidance, where the target is illuminated by a coded laser source. The laser designator may be located on:

• The launching aircraft via targeting pod
• Another airborne platform
• A UAV
• Ground-based forward air controllers

This allows third-party designation and supports network-centric warfare and joint operations.

Platform Architecture

LGK consists of:

• Semi-active laser seeker head
• Guidance and control electronics
• Flight control computer
• Aerodynamic control fins
• Tail stabilization unit
• Internal power unit

A key design feature is that LGK does not require a MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface. This significantly simplifies aircraft integration and reduces modification requirements.

Survivability and Countermeasure Approach

Because LGK relies on optical laser guidance rather than radar or GPS, it is inherently resistant to:

• RF jamming
• GPS spoofing

Coded laser frequencies and narrow seeker field-of-view enhance resistance to false target designation. However, atmospheric conditions such as heavy smoke, fog, dust, or precipitation may reduce effectiveness due to laser attenuation.

Accuracy, Reaction and Engagement Profile

• Maximum Range: ≤ 6.5 NM (~12 km)
• Operational Altitude: 0 – 40,000 ft MSL
• Release Speed Limit: 600 KIAS / 1.2 Mach
• Circular Error Probable (CEP): < 30 ft (~10 m)
• Seeker Field of View: ±16°

Typical engagement sequence:

• Target identification
• Laser designation
• Weapon release
• Seeker acquisition of reflected laser energy
• Mid-course and terminal correction
• Precision impact

Higher release altitudes increase glide range, while lower altitudes reduce time-to-target.

Integrated Ecosystem

LGK integrates with:

• Laser targeting pods
• UAV laser designation systems
• Forward Air Controller networks
• Tactical mission planning systems

Certified platforms include:

• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• F-4 Phantom II
• F-15 Eagle
• Su-25
• Bayraktar Akıncı

Advantages and Limitations in Modern Threat Environment

Advantages

• GPS-independent operation
• Cost-effective conversion of existing stockpiles
• Effective against moving targets
• Reduced collateral damage
• Simplified platform integration
• Export flexibility

Limitations

• Requires continuous laser illumination
• Performance affected by adverse weather
• Line-of-sight requirement between designator and target

Variants and Configurations

Publicly available information confirms compatibility for:

• 500 lb class (MK-82)
• 2,000 lb class (MK-84)

Detailed block versions and internal configuration differences are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

Exact kit weight and dimensional data are not publicly disclosed. Designed for compatibility with MK-82 and MK-84 bomb bodies.

Propulsion

None. LGK is a glide-based guidance kit attached to gravity bombs.

Performance Parameters

• Range: ≤ 6.5 NM
• Altitude: 0 – 40,000 ft MSL
• Release Speed: 600 KIAS / 1.2 Mach
• Accuracy: < 30 ft CEP
• Field of View: ±16°

Guidance and Fire Control

• Semi-active laser guidance
• Programmable laser codes
• Aerodynamic control surfaces for terminal corrections

Warhead / Effector

Compatible with MK-82 and MK-84 general-purpose bomb warheads. Detailed warhead integration data is not publicly disclosed.

Command and Control

Does not require direct aircraft digital interface. Can operate with third-party laser designation.

Electronic Warfare Resistance

Resistant to RF-based electronic attack. Environmental obscurants may degrade performance.

Deployment and Logistics

Air-launched munition kit. No ground deployment infrastructure required beyond standard bomb loading procedures.

Personnel and Operational Concept

Operated as part of standard aircraft strike package. Requires trained laser designation capability either airborne or ground-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does LGK do?

• LGK converts unguided general-purpose bombs into semi-active laser-guided precision munitions.

What is its maximum range?

• Up to 6.5 nautical miles, depending on release altitude and speed.

Is it effective against moving targets?

• Yes. Continuous laser designation allows engagement of moving ground targets.

Is it affected by GPS jamming?

• No. It does not rely on satellite navigation.

Which bomb types are compatible?

• MK-82 and MK-84 general-purpose bombs.

Is it a standalone weapon?

• No. It is a conversion kit attached to conventional gravity bombs.

How does it compare to equivalents?

• Comparable to the Paveway laser guidance kits used by Western air forces. LGK’s main advantages include simplified integration and export flexibility.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN defense catalogs and exhibition brochures
• Open-source defense industry analyses