This post mainly introduces the names and development history of various Chinese guided bombs.
China's first generation guided bomb
The earliest guided bomb in China originated in the 1970s, when the United States launched the Paveway guided bombs on the Vietnam battlefield. So China also began to develop its own guided bomb.
The research and development task was entrusted to the “national team” in the field of aviation bombs -624 Factory (Harbin Jiancheng Machinery Factory, now a subsidiary of China Ordnance Industry Corporation, Harbin Jiancheng Group Co., Ltd.)
The project team for the development of laser guided bombs at 624 Factory began planning and argumentation in 1974, and in 1980, the technical status of the bombs was finally determined and the first batch of sample bombs were produced.
In order to facilitate the verification of product performance, Factory 624 found the nearest bomber unit to modify and mount this bomb.
H-5 responsible for testing tasks, photographed at Datushan Station in Zhengjiatun, Shuangliao.
But due to the tight military budget in the mid-1980s, the project was ultimately discontinued.
LT series guided bomb
Affected by the Gulf War, China has restarted the development of guided bombs.
In May 1992, the Aviation Industry 613 Institute began developing laser targeting pods for new laser guided bombs, and completed the functional demonstration of the prototype by the end of 1995.
After a year of preparation, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission officially approved the development of a new laser guided bomb weapon system. The development of the bomb was entrusted to the 612 Institute, while the production was still resumed by the 624 Factory.
The result of development is the LT series guided bomb. Launched by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., abbreviated as AVIC
LT-2
LT-3
The design concept of the LT-2 is similar to that of the Paveway Ⅱ, while the technology adopted by the LT-3 laser guidance system belongs to the same technical level as the Paveway Ⅲ.
LS-6 series guided bomb
The LS-6 series guided bombs were launched by the Luoyang Optoelectronic Technology Development Center (a subsidiary of AVIC)
It is worth noting that LT-3 was later renamed LS-6 and added to the LS-6 series.
However, the LT-2 did not change its name to include it in the LS series, but was gradually phased out.
As it uses the first generation guidance head, which is already outdated. Therefore, the recent Zhuhai Air Show no longer showcases LT-2, and instead uses the GB500 (GB1) with the second generation guidance head.
According to the information I have found, the last exhibition of LT-2 was at the 2012 Zhuhai Air Show, and at that time its name was still LT-2.
TG series guided bomb
TG is the abbreviation of TIANGE, the TG series is a new generation guided bomb series developed in China, launched by Harbin Jiancheng Group Co., Ltd.
Harbin Jiancheng Group Co., Ltd., also known as the 624 factory that developed China’s first generation of laser guided bomb, was introduced at the beginning of the post.
The TG series also has two special models, one is TIANGANG500(TD500-ER) GPS glide guided bomb,
And the TIANLEI500(TL500) glide guided cluster bomb.
The TG series was later renamed as the GB series guided bomb.
GB series guided bomb
The GB series guided bombs were renamed and developed from the TG series, covering 10kg, 25 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg levels.
You may feel a bit confused, I have made a simple diagram to help you understand.
This schematic diagram can effectively illustrate the development of one of the lines in China’s guided bombs.
I must emphasize that the GB series guided bombs are not only used for export, but also standard equipment used by PLA.
especially the GB500 (GB1), which has many public images and information.
Regarding the export names and PLA self use names of these guided bombs, I have found the following information
On November 11, 2019, Hangzhou held an Air Force Open Day, and in the photo, the PLA self use name of the GB500 (GB1) is K/YJG500B laser guided bomb. And the LT-2 next to it only has a 500KG laser guided bomb written on it, without its own name.
However, in the footage of the “National Defense and Military Morning Post” broadcast on October 24, 2021, we can see that the name on the side of the bomb body is GB1 type 500KG guided bomb. This is consistent with the name of the export version.
Don’t doubt that this is not a PLA self use version, the coating and labeling on the bomb body can prove that this is 100% PLA self use version.
I think this already speaks for itself.
It can now be concluded that PLA has changed the name of its own guided bomb to match the name of the export version.
So now whether it’s the export version or the self use version, calling it GB500 or GB1 is all correct.
Regarding the difference between LT-2 and GB500 (GB1), I have already made it clear that the GB series is the new generation of guided bombs.
There are four laser guidance modes developed for these guided bomb series.
①Namely the first generation laser beacon seeker.
②The second generation using gyroscope stabilization system and proportional guidance law.
③The third generation seeker with scanning, preset, and automatic tracking functions.
④And the fourth generation adding GPS/INS guidance on top of the third generation.
LT-2 belongs to the first generation and is a relatively backward technology. And GB500 (GB1) belongs to the second generation.
The guidance mode is also known as laser+IOG in the game. which is the same as guidance mode of Paveway III.
I think as long as there are no problems with the eyes and brain, it can be seen that they are using different guidance seekers, just like Paveway II and Paveway III.
The names of the GB series are very confusing, and many models have two names. For example, the GB500 I mentioned above is also known as GB1.
Here are the names of other guided bomb models
YJ/YL series guided bomb
The YJ/YL series was launched by China South Industry Group Co., Ltd., and it was the new series that made its debut at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow.
YJ series
YL series
Among them, YL5, also known as YJ1000, is similar to GB1000 and can be equipped with various warheads, such as penetrating warheads, high explosive warheads, etc.
At the 2022 Zhuhai Air Show, both J16 and JH7A2 were showcased with YL5 (YJ1000).
FT series
FT is the abbreviation for FeiTeng. The FT series was launched by Long March International Trade Co., Ltd.
Which is a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The China Academy of Launch Vehicles, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, first launched the FT-1 and FT-3 precision guided bombs developed by the company to the international market at the 2006 Zhuhai Air Show.
Afterwards, the “FeiTeng” series family expanded to include FT-2, FT-5, FT-6, FT-9, FT-10, and FT-12, covering various bombs ranging from 25 kilograms to 1000 kilograms.
This series of bombs is a direct competitor to the Leishi 6 (LS-6) series precision guided bombs developed by China Luoyang Optoelectronic Technology Development Center (a subsidiary of AVIC).
The FT-1 and FT-3 bombs were first displayed, but later FT-3 bombs did not look like the original model.
JH-7 fighter bomber carries FT-1.
FT-2, 500 kg satellite guided glider bomb.
FT-3, 250 kg satellite guided bomb (with a body of domestically produced 250-2 aviation bomb)
The FT-3 showcased at the 2009 air show.
the latest FT-3 bomb has a smaller tail cone size and a change in wing position, making it more compact overall.
FT-3A, 250 kg satellite/laser composite guided bomb.
Mount FT-3A on the Q-5 attack aircraft.
FT-4, 250 kg satellite guided glider bomb.
FT-5, 100 kg small caliber guided bomb.
FT-6, 500 pound satellite guided glider bomb (with a body of American made MK.82 bomb).
FT-6A, 500 pound satellite/laser composite guided glider bomb.
FT-7, Small 130kg Glider Guided Bomb.
FT-8 series
FT-9, 50kg Guided Bomb.
FT-10, 25kg small guided bomb.
FT-12, Rocket Assisted Guided Bomb.
YZ series
YZ-200
YZ-100
Alright, now we have basically finished talking about the current guided bomb series in China. If there is anything I have missed, please supplement in the comments section.
Finally, I hope Gaijin can acknowledge the issue of incorrect TS250 name and correct it, and add more GB series guided bombs, such as GB500 (GB1).