Laser-guided bombs are called "smart bombs" because they are can follow a non-ballistic trajectory when laser designation of the intended target is done.

However, laser designation for these attacks was carried out by a forward air controller using a ground designator.

A particular problem with laser designation can be path length under certain environmental conditions.

In desert warfare, such as the 1991 Gulf War, laser designation sometimes reflected off the sand, causing weapons to home on false targets.

The force's mission was to support That ground operations and to provide ground spotting and laser designation for the Navy attack aircraft.

However, smoke and haze from the burning oil field obscured the target from the FAC, making laser designation impossible.

Laser-guided bombs are often labeled as "smart bombs", despite requiring external input in the form of laser designation of the intended target.

Directive to start laser designation.

Acquisition of laser designation.