How does a laser target designator work?

A sensor on an attacking aircraft’s bomb or missile detects the laser beam as it bounces off the painted target. Upon release, the laser-guided munitions follows this aim point, effectively homing in on the beam’s reflection. The laser beam is ‘coded’ which means it shines in specific patterns of pulses.

What is a PRF code?

A pulse repetition frequency (PRF) code is used for the laser designator, the laser spot tracker (LST), and the laser guided weapon (LGW). Each must use the same code when operating together. An agreed upon direction of attack is necessary. The LST or LGW must be able to acquire the energy re- flected from the target.

What is Podium effect?

When a laser designates a surface that the seeker cannot see, the reflections are blocked (Figure II-6). This situation is called “podium effect.”

What is the definition of a laser surface danger zone?

What is the definition of a Laser Surface Danger Zone (LSDZ)? The designated ground area where laser radiation levels may exceed Maximum Permissible Exposure Levels (MPE)

What does a target designator do?

A laser designator is a laser light source which is used to designate a target. Laser designators provide targeting for laser-guided bombs, missiles, or precision artillery munitions, such as the Paveway series of bombs, AGM-114 Hellfire, or the M712 Copperhead round, respectively.

What is a target designation?

The process of marking or other-wise pointing to a target by any means, such as by laser, flare, or smoke, or setting it into a head-up display or fire control system. A target may be designated either from the aircraft launching the weapon, by another aircraft, or by a ground station.

What is difference between frequency and PRF?

In radar, a radio signal of a particular carrier frequency is turned on and off; the term “frequency” refers to the carrier, while the PRF refers to the number of switches. Both are measured in terms of cycle per second, or hertz. The PRF is normally much lower than the frequency.

What does the M designation indicate?

The “M” designation for metric screws indicates the nominal outer diameter of the screw thread, in millimetres. This is also referred to as the “major” diameter in the information below.

Which of the following surfaces could produce a specular reflection from a laser?

Specular reflections are produced by highly polished, mirror-like surfaces whereas diffuse reflections result from rough, irregular surfaces (however, specular reflections can also be produced by rough surfaces when the size of the surface irregularities is less than the wavelength of the incident radiation).

What are the three types of impact areas?

Impact areas are the “themes” of the impacts, under the three pillars of sustainable develop- ment (economic, environmental, social).

How much does a laser designator cost?

The new laser designator incorporates its own GPS to determine its location, along with a digital compass, celestial navigation system, thermal imager and camera. It costs $340,000 and weighs just over 31 pounds, five pounds less than older laser designators.

What does reveal distance mean?

Basically the feature helps you gauge the location of the enemy and how far they are from you to help you plan your attack approach accordingly. This is not to deny the general ability of the red dot feature and the key role it plays in revealing the enemy.