TPOD: JDAM vs. LGBU

[obious]

Hi All,

 

Like a lot of us, I’m loving the introduction of the litening TPOD in yesterday’s OB.

 

However, after spending an hour or so flying around, getting used to using the TPOD and just generally hurling ordinance at various ground targets, a few questions keep cropping up

 

Which is more accurate, JDAM or LGBU?

Why would one be employed over the other (I’m assuming environmental conditions play a factor here; ie JDAM in the case of overcast weather)?

 

Cheers

[razo+r]

JDAMs can't track moving targets. That's one scenario when you want to use LGBs. And as you mentioned, weather can also play a role.

[falcon_120]

Basically and at a very high level,

 

LGB:

-Can track moving targets

-It is as precise as the type of laser used, so depending on the variant you could aim at a specific window of a building.

-Cannot be used if the target is covered under a thick cloudy sky.

-It requires you to laser the target until impact.

 

JDAM:

-Less precise, but dont think they are not (CEP could be of 0,5-2 Metres)

-Fire and forget on any weather, this also allows you to launch several JDAMs in quick succession to different targets.

-Only for fixed targets

 

So there you go, I think with those points you can pick what you need for each scenario, there is a moment for each type of weapon.

 

Regards,

[QuiGon]

 

;)

[obious]

JDAMs can't track moving targets. That's one scenario when you want to use LGBs. And as you mentioned, weather can also play a role.

 

Interesting, I wonder if that why I’m not able to use PTRK to lock on a moving tank etc?

[razo+r]

No, that's something different. The TGP should be able to point track targets, regardless if you have JDAMs on board or not. After all it's the TGP that has the optics, not the JDAMs.

[obious]

So I’m just wondering also, if LGBs can hit moving targets, surely they have to be moving along a straight line? Essentially what I’m getting at is how far can a LGB ‘drift’/fly along a horizontal axis?

[ebabil]

Am i wrong or Jdams can be launched much further from the target than lgb? Jdam goes like a missile in dcs or just me?

[Harker]

So I’m just wondering also, if LGBs can hit moving targets, surely they have to be moving along a straight line? Essentially what I’m getting at is how far can a LGB ‘drift’/fly along a horizontal axis?

Definitely helps if the target's movement is parallel to the bomb's initial velocity, since the bomb can make corrections more easily. You can still hit slow targets that are moving perpendicular to you, but keep in mind that the bomb's small fin's can only do so much against its initial velocity and gravity. I've had success, but I make sure to release at an offset of a few degrees in front of a target's path.

[obious]

So I’m just wondering also, if LGBs can hit moving targets, surely they have to be moving along a straight line? Essentially what I’m getting at is how far can a LGB ‘drift’/fly along a horizontal axis?

 

Yea, I've noticed that also. not sure if its 'normal'?

[CarbonFox]

Am i wrong or Jdams can be launched much further from the target than lgb? Jdam goes like a missile in dcs or just me?

 

 

I imagine that might also change when the Paveway III LGBs finally get introduced as they were more stable and could be launched from further out.