Soldiers unimpressed by concrete bombs

During the final stages of the war in Iraq, RAF Panavia Tornado GR5s dropped a number of Paveway II, Paveway III and Enhanced Paveway practise bombs.

These were inert concrete bomb bodies, with a working Paveway guidance kit. They could be dropped with great accuracy, relying on their kinetic effect to stun and disorientate those defending positions in heavily populated areas, without causing massive damage or casualties.

On one occasion a British army unit was pinned down in an urban area, and the decision was taken to use one of the unarmed concrete guided bombs, to minimise collateral damage.

The FAC watched the drop and was clearly unimpressed. The Tornado crew's radio crackled into life: "Thanks very much mate. Now give me one that goes bang!"

Source: Flight Daily News