What does LGW mean in MILITARY

A laser guided weapon (LGW) is an airborne, artillery or ground-based weapon that utilizes sensor technology and a laser seeker to accurately target a predetermined area. It is most commonly used in military operations against stationary targets such as buildings, bunkers and bases. The laser guidance system performs the necessary calculations and compensates for environmental factors such as wind speed, air temperature and humidity. LGWs are accurate and provide higher levels of precision than other traditional weapons used in combat situations.

The operator of the LGW will designate a target area using a sighting device that emits a low-power laser beam that reflects off the objects it hits. This "paint" allows the weapon to detect the location of the target Based on its coordinates. Once fired, the LGW homes in on this reflected energy to guide itself towards its target with extreme accuracy. Depending on type, some weapons may be able to switch between manual laser guidance and autonomous control systems during flight for greater accuracy or greater range, respectively.

Some common examples of LGWs include Hellfire missiles, Maverick missiles, JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions), ATACMS (Advanced Tactical Missile System) among others. These weapons can be mounted on vehicles like tanks or airplanes as well as fired from artillery guns and launchers for specific targeting requirements.

The accuracy provided by laser guided weapons make them an effective tool in engaging stationary targets while preserving surrounding infrastructure from collateral damage, which can significantly reduce human casualties resulting from armed conflicts. By using highly directional sensors and precise targeting algorithms; these munitions enhance survivability from countermeasures during their flight path as well as reducing their chances of becoming lost or straying off course due to external influences like wind currents. Additionally, by being fire-and-forget style devices; they reduce time needed for reloading ammunition thus speeding up tactical operations significantly

A sophisticated algorithm is used to adjust for environmental influences such as temperature variations or air density so as to facilitate accurate tracking of the target’s trajectory over long distances reliably. This allows for more precise targeting while factoring in any changes due to external conditions that would affect the normal flight path; allowing weapon operators better control over multiple short-term engagements with pinpoint accuracy throughout each step without having to recalibrate manually during operation.

Common targets include stationary structures such as warehouses, vehicle garages or bunkers but also moving targets like aircrafts and cars travelling at relatively low speeds over open terrain; depending on type and capabilities of individual LGWs being utilized by respective militaries.

This depends largely on size and type of munition used but generally speaking they are designed with ranges up to several kilometers away from their designated targets ensuring maximum damage while minimizing risk of exposure for personnel operating them remotely.

Not all fighter jets carry lasers guided weapons as standard armament but many do have such provision built into their armory with specific modifications available depending upon individual preferences customer needs - usually via third party companies providing service enhancements tailored specifically