KAB-1500Kr TV-Guided Bomb

At the 2003 Moscow Air Show, the Russian Region Bureau revealed that it had sold its 1,525kg (3,335lbs) KAB-1500 series guided bomb to the PLAAF in 2002. Although the report did not reveal the specific model of the bomb sold to China, it is believed to be the KAB-1500Kr which uses a “TV correlation homing” guidance system. Most likely using pre-loaded image-intelligence data of the target, the bomb’s guidance system “locks on” to the target area while still on the aircraft, and then is automatically guided to the target. Such a system requires clear weather, but allows the attacking aircraft to initiate defensive manoeuvres immediately after dropping the bomb, instead of “dwelling” over the target as it would for a laser guided bomb. The bomb can carry high explosive, deep penetrating or thermobaric warheads.

Last update: 17 June 2008