APPENDIX K.

LASER EMPLOYMENT

Laser weapons systems consists of ground and pulses of infrared energy, invisible to the naked eye.
airborne designators used with surface or air delivered Characteristics of these pulses are determined by a
guided munitions. Systems include laser designators/ PRF code of the laser energy that can be set by a series
rangefinders, laser acquisition/spot trackers or seekers, of switches on the equipment. Laser target ranging
laser guided weapons, and delivery platforms. Laser systems provide accurate range, and in the case of the
systems are used by artillery FOs, NSF spotters, MULE direction and elevation information, for use in
FACs, reconnaissance personnel, and fixed-and locating enemy targets or other positions but are not
rotary-wing pilots. Several references for laser capable of designating for laser guided munitions. IR
employment and procedures exist. Joint Pub 3-09.1, pointers simply provide visual identification of targets.
JTTP for Laser Target Designation Operations, Systems vary from handheld to aircraft-mounted
provides detailed information on all Service laser devices. The laser designator/rangefinder inventory
systems and munitions. MCWP 3-16.6, Supporting within the Marine Corps follows.
Arms Observer, Spotter, and Controller, provides
detailed information on ground laser systems.
Modular Universal Lasing Equipment
The modular universal laser equipment (MULE) (AN/
PAQ-3) is a laser designator/rangefinder capable of
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
designating moving targets to a range of 2,500 meters
or stationary targets to 3,000 meters. Maximum
The five basic requirements to use laser designators rangefinding capability is 10,000 meters. The MULE
with laser seekers or laser guided munitions follow. system has a north-seeking capability that allows self-
orientation for direction and a readout of both grid and
A pulse repetition frequency (PRF) code is used for true azimuths. It is capable of detecting multitarget
the laser designator, the laser spot tracker (LST), and reflections. The MULE can be operated during periods
the laser guided weapon (LGW). Each must use the of darkness or reduced visibility at slightly reduced
same code when operating together. ranges by use of a night vision device. It can
interoperate directly with the digital message system
An agreed upon direction of attack is necessary. The (DMS), and indirectly, through the DMS, with the
LST or LGW must be able to acquire the energy battery computer system (BCS). When used in
reflected from the target. conjunction with the precision lightweight GPS
receiver (PLGR), it provides accurate observer and
The laser designator must be lasing/designating the target location. The MULE is powered by vehicle for
target at the correct time and for the proper duration. sustained operations or battery for a shorter duration.

The delivery system must release the munition within Target Location Designation and Hand-off
the specific munition delivery envelope. System
Line of sight must exist between the designator and The TLDHS is a modular, man-portable (43 pounds
the target, as well as between the target and the tracker for LLDR and THS), automated target acquisition,
or LGW. The LGW can have LOS before or after location, and designation system that can digitally
launch, depending upon the system capabilities. hand-off target data to fire support platforms. It has the
capability of designating moving targets to 3,000
meters and stationary targets to 5,000 meters.
Maximum rangefinding capability is 10,000 meters.
LASER TARGET DESIGNATION, TLDHS is comprised of two independent subsystems.
RANGING, AND POINTING SYSTEMS The lightweight laser designator-rangefinder (LLDR)
provides the target location and designation capability
through the integration of day and thermal optics, eye-
Laser designators provide the energy source that is safe laser rangefinder, angle and vertical angle, GPS
reflected from a designated target to provide terminal receiver, and a laser designator for LGWs and spot
guidance for LGWs. These systems emit discrete trackers. The second subsystem is the target hand-off
K-2 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16

system (THS). THS provides the capability to Hellfire munitions as an improvised LST prior to
compose, transmit, and receive digital fire support firing.
messages.
Laser Acquisition/Spot Tracker Pod
Laser Infrared Observation Set (AN/GVS-
5) The coded laser acquisition/spot tracker (LST) can be
carried on the F/A-18 A/C/D. Once it acquires the
The AN/GVS-5 is a hand held, battery operated laser laser spot (target), it passes necessary ballistic
rangefinder. It has no ability to designate targets or information to allow FLIR or radar acquisition of
determine direction. It has a 7 x 50 monocular sighting target and visual display. Desired PRF codes are in-
system and an accuracy of plus/minus 10 meters for flight selectable. It then employs LGWs or executes
distances from 200 to 9,990 meters. It can provide a visual deliveries of non-laser ordnance.
maximum of 100 range readouts per battery charge.
Angle Rate Bombing System
Laser Target Designator/Rangefinder Pod
The ARBS is used on the AV-8B. It consists of a 3-
The F/A-18 C/D is capable of carrying the AN/AAS- axis gimballed telivision/LST, enabling view of the
38 LTD/R pod which provides two functions. Its laser laser spot. It provides day or night attack and reattack
designator provides terminal weapons guidance for all information for either LGW or non-guided bombs.
LGWs, as well as designating targets for airborne The system allows in-flight selection of PRF codes but
coded laser acquisition/spot trackers (LSTs). is affected by smoke or obscurants.

WARNING
Night Targeting System
Care must be taken to remain oriented on the target,
The AH-1W attack helicopter contains the NTS, ensuring that the LST has acquired and locked onto
which provides laser target designator/rangefinder target reflected laser energy. There are instances when
capability, as well as forward looking infrared (FLIR) LSTs have acquired and locked onto the laser
visual capability and video capture. It performs the signature caused by atmospheric attenuation around
same functions as the LTD/R pod for fixed-wing the laser designator device.
platforms.

Illumination Devices
LASER GUIDED WEAPONS
Handheld lasers emit infrared (IR) light for
compatibility with NVGs. These devices can either
“flood” IR light within 1000 meters to enhance These munitions hone in on reflected laser energy
general NVG performance, or focus a small beam up during the terminal portion of the attack. Such
to 4 kilometers to pinpoint a specific target or mark munitions are part of the precision guided munition
friendly positions with an IR light beam for any unit or (PGM) family.
weapon system employing NVGs. Examples include
IZLID and GCB-1B. Copperhead
The Copperhead (M732 CLGP) is a 155 mm cannon-
launched, laser-guided projectile used to defeat high
LASER ACQUISITION DEVICES payoff targets. It has a maximum range of 16,800
meters and a minimum range of 3,000 meters.

Laser acquisition devices are systems that allow visual Copperhead targets can be designated by ground or
acquisition of a coded laser designated target. They airborne designators. Multiple targets in large target
must be set to the same PRF code as the laser arrays or widely separated targets may be engaged.
designator for the user to see the target being lased. The projectile follows one of two trajectories
There are two types of laser acquisition devices. Note depending on visibility conditions. Upon reaching a
that the AH-1W has the capability to use onboard point on its descending trajectory, the laser designator
 ______________________________________________
Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element K-3

operator lases the target. The projectile acquires the

reflected laser energy and maneuvers to the designated LASER GUIDED WEAPONS PLANNING
target. Its payload consists of a 15 pound shaped
charge.
Due to the enhanced complexity of laser weapon
systems and their specific requirements for
Maverick employment, prior planning and coordination is
required for optimal performance in battle.
The Maverick AGM-65E is an air launched, laser
guided air to ground missile employed on the AV-8B,
Integration
and F/A-18 aircraft. It can be used against armored
vehicles, field fortifications, or surface combatants. Optimum use of PGMs is on preplanned targets or
The missile requires lock on before launch. Once, the engagement areas outside or at the maximum range of
Maverick is launched, the aircraft can break away or maneuver direct fire weapons (typically 3,000 meters).
launch another missile. It employs a 125 pound or 300 This allows for early engagement of high payoff
pound warhead. If Maverick loses the spot, the missile targets and reduces the effects of an obscured
goes ballistic over the target and does not explode. The battlefield. However, integration into the overall battle
PRF code is cockpit selectable. plan is necessary. Integration with direct fire weapons
creates a combined arms effect as well as ensures
mutual support.
Hellfire

The Hellfire (AGM-114) is a laser guided, anti-armor Environmental Conditions

missile launched from the AH-1W/Z Super Cobra
aircraft. It can be employed in indirect (lock on after LGWs require line of sight with both the designator
launch) or direct (lock on before launch) fire methods. and the target, and the LGW and the target. Irregular
Hellfire can be launched in four firing modes: one terrain and vegetation must be considered in the
location of EAs, LTDs, and LGWs. Rain, snow, fog,
missile (single), two or more missiles on the same
and low clouds can reduce the effectiveness of laser
code (rapid), two or more missiles launched on
guided munitions ability to acquire radiation. Laser
different codes using multiple laser designators designators line of sight can be reduced. Snow on the
(ripple), or multiple codes and designators used in ground produces a negative effect on laser guided
combination of rapid and ripple fire. The PRF code is munition accuracy or cause spillover. Extreme
cockpit selectable. temperatures (below 32 degrees) can affect MULE
battery life. Obscuration of the battlefield can also
Laser-Guided Bombs reduce the effectiveness of LGWs. When possible,
employ techniques such as attacking downwind
targets first.
The MK-82, -83, and -84 are Marine Corps
designations for the 500, 1,000, and 2,000 lb bombs
that can be converted to the GBU-12, GBU-16, and Munition Employment Characteristics
GBU-10 laser guided bombs, respectively. These
bombs use common laser guidance and control The specific engagement requirements for each LGW
subassemblies, with only the aerodynamic surfaces varies and must be considered in planning.
changed to match the particular size of warhead. Considerations include minimum and maximum
ranges, minimum visibility and required designation
times, and maximum angle of acquisition. For
Paveway I and II LGBs require ballistically accurate example, Copperhead has engagement templates, a 13
delivery (release within an envelope) and continuous second designation requirement, and a maximum
laser energy during the last 10 seconds of flight. When acquisition angle of 800 mils (45 degrees) between the
delivered from a low-altitude loft maneuver, lasing is observer and GTL. The minimum visibility to
restricted to the last 10 seconds of flight to prevent effectively use Copperhead is 5,000 meters. The
bombs missing short. They can be employed in a Maverick has a maximum range of 24 kilometers,
standoff capacity. The PRF codes are set before requires continual lasing, and has a 60 degree
aircraft launch. maximum acquisition angle. The Hellfire has a 8
K-4 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16

kilometer max range, a 60 degree maximum Each MULE/TLDHS operator normally uses his own
acquisition angle, and also requires continual lasing. PRF code unless employing LGBs or for preplanned
missions with distinct PRFs. His PRF code is
confirmed before mission execution of aerial delivered
Designator Location and Characteristics LGWs. LGBs PRF codes cannot be changed in flight.
Whether airborne or ground designator, the location of For preplanned CAS, codes are ultimately assigned to
the laser designator must ensure line of sight to the each flight. The LTD must match the preset LGB
target while allowing the LGW to acquire the target codes, while Maverick, Hellfire, and Copperhead can
within the parameters of its attack angle, 1067 mils (60 be set to match the designators PRF code.
degrees) in most cases. Preventing line of sight
between the LGW and the laser designator reduces
false lock-on. Airborne designators should remain
Security
behind delivery platforms while ground designators The PRF codes are handled in the same manner as
use terrain or vegetation to break line of sight when other classified material. Secure means should be
possible. The short lifespan of battery powered used, if available, when codes are passed between
designators should be considered in extended laser designators and the munition delivery unit/
operations. aircraft. However, the absence of compatible secure
means should not normally dictate the termination of a
laser guided munition attack. In certain situations,
PRF Codes codes may have to be prebriefed.

Laser coding permits the simultaneous use of multiple Safety

laser designators and laser guided weapons/seekers.
Laser designators and seekers use a PRF coding There are two hazards associated with laser systems
system to ensure that a specific seeker and designator applicable in both combat and peacetime training. The
combination work in harmony. By setting the same first is the ability of the LST or LGW to acquire and
code in both the designator and the seeker, the seeker guide in on spillover laser energy rather than the
tracks only the target that is designated with that code. target; i.e., the laser designator. This is known as false
lock-on. The second is the laser beam’s intense
Code Description infrared radiation that can cause serious eye damage
and blindness.
The system uses either a three digit or four digit
numeral system, depending on the type of laser False Lock-on
equipment. Three digit settings range from 111 to 788,
while four digit settings range from 1,111 to 1,788. All A seeker may detect scattered radiation that is caused
three and four digit designator/seekers are compatible. by suspended matter in the atmosphere. It is called
Lower numbered PRF codes provide higher quality atmospheric scatter/attenuation or backscatter. To
designation due to faster pulse repetition. mitigate the effects of atmospheric scatter, 20 degree
angle with its origin at the target and bisecting the
laser designator establishes a safety exclusion zone for
Code Allocation and Assignment air delivered munitions (excluding Copperhead) and
Laser guided weapons system codes must be LSTs. Aerial platforms must avoid this zone during
controlled and coordinated. At the MAGTF level, designation to reduce the likelihood of an LST or
different blocks of codes are assigned to artillery, air, LGW acquiring the designator vice the target. The
and NGF to prevent interference between supporting exclusion zone is not an absolute safety measure as
arms activities. Each supporting arm then assigns some LSTs have acquired the atmospheric scatter in
codes to its subordinate units for individual missions front of the ground laser designator even though the
and changes codes periodically as the situation LSTs were outside the safety zone. In combat, attack
requires. Subordinate FSCCs provide positive headings should avoid this zone if possible. Peacetime
coordination of the code settings through the various employment follows training safety requirements.
fire support representatives. Normally codes are given
to individual observers, however observers are able to Eye Hazard
use the same codes as long as it is coordinated; e.g. During combat, take care to avoid friendly casualties
observers use the same code when one is a back-up. from indiscriminate laser designation. Be cautious in
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Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element K-5

designating highly reflective targets that can cause Communications

dangerous reflected beams. The policy of the United
States Armed Forces prohibits employing laser Positive communications between the designator
weapons that are specifically designed to, or have a operator and the munition delivery means is required
combat function of, causing permanent blindness. to coordinate the proper PRF code, the seeker/laser
designator alignment, and target designation timing.
Peacetime use of lasers imposes strict safety
requirements during training exercises. Range and unit
safety SOPs must be adhered to in their employment. Enemy Countermeasures (NATO)
Judicious use of laser target designators limit the
enemy’s countermeasure capability. Designator
vulnerability must be considered when designating
EMPLOYMENT point targets such as tanks, BMPs, and guns that can
detect radiation and suppress designators. Offset aim
points reduce a target’s ability to react.
Key factors must be considered when employing laser
systems. Adverse effects of these factors can often be
Aim Points
overcome by planning and skillful employment of the
designators. The nature of the target surface affects the aim point as
it varies the amount and direction of reflected
radiation. Concave or poorly defined targets such as
Ground Mode caves and tunnels may absorb the laser spots.
Horizontal flat surfaces can refract or cause enough
Ground laser designators identify targets for artillery, spillover to cause misses.
NSFS, and aircraft delivered munitions. MULE
equipped teams can designate for laser guided
Battlefield Obscuration
munitions as well as conventional ordnance delivered
by LST. Standard calls for fire are used except that the Smoke, dust, and debris can impair the use of laser
laser code must be exchanged between the ground guided munitions. Reflective scattering of laser light
designator and the firing unit or the aircraft. by smoke particles may present false targets. The night
sight, alternate positions on higher ground, and
alternate designators can be useful in reducing smoke
Airborne Mode and dust effects.
Airborne laser target designators identify targets for
all types of aircraft delivered munitions. Airborne
Darkness
designator systems operating in support of ground Targets are more difficult to locate, range, and
maneuver forces can employ all types of laser guided designate during low illumination. The night sight on
munitions. Standard calls for fire or request for air the designator will overcome the effects of darkness
support are used, except that the code being used must and can assist during periods of poor visibility and
be exchanged. inclement weather.