The French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) has developed a 50-kilogram glide bomb with optical guidance.

This was reported by the European Defense Review.

The new glide air bomb, designed using stealth technologies, is named the IGB 50, with “50” referring to the weapon’s mass in kilograms.

As the European Defense Review notes, the primary goal of the new air bomb is to achieve a destructive capability similar to that of a 155-mm artillery shell, with an accuracy of less than 1 meter.

According to ISL scientists and engineers involved in the development of the IGB 50, the cost of the system after production is expected to be comparable to that of an active-reactive artillery shell with a PGK module.

The IGB 50 features an aerodynamic body with folding swept wings and a cross-shaped tail. Made from composite materials, the body is designed to reduce radar visibility from below and the front. In addition to its long range and low detectability, the IGB 50 can reach flight speeds of up to Mach 0.5.

The precise range of the bomb has not been officially disclosed, but it is stated that its aerodynamic coefficient exceeds 5:1. This means that for every 1 meter of descent during flight, the bomb can travel more than 5 meters horizontally. For example, if dropped from a height of 10 km, the bomb could travel more than 50 km.

However, this range may not be sufficient to entirely evade enemy air defenses.

Navigation during the initial and middle stages of flight is provided by a protected GNSS system with a steerable pattern antenna (CRPA), which offers some protection against electronic warfare. An inertial navigation system is also used.

In the final section of flight, guidance is provided by an optical homing head. According to the publication, the bomb is equipped with artificial intelligence, enabling it to locate the target even if it shifts from its initial coordinates or executes evasive maneuvers.

The cross-shaped rudders serve not only for guiding the bomb to the target, but also allow the IGB 50 to be programmed to approach from any desired direction, avoiding obstacles around the target. The angle of attack is also adjustable.

According to the European Defense Review, ISL is currently collaborating with a European company to develop a smaller version of the glide bomb, which will likely be intended for use with UAVs. Additionally, work is underway to introduce new capabilities, including swarm attacks.

A similar development is also underway by BAE Systems’ Australian branch, which is adapting 155 mm shells into miniature Razer aerial bombs.