Laser Guided Weapons

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Considerations

Basic

In order to successfuly engage targets with Laser Guided Weapons a few requirements must be met.

1. LTD/LRFD, LSS/LST and LGW must use the same PRF code. (LGWs can't be guided using an IR Pointer.)
2. Designation of the target must be coordinated (time and duration) with the launch of the weapon in order for the weapon guided to see the reflection.
3. The weapon must be released within its "delivery envelope" (Direction and distans from target)
4. The weapon must be released from a predetermined direction.
5. Both LTD/LRFD (LSS/LST when used) and the LGW must have LOS to the target during the time of designation.

Safety- / Optimal Attack Zones

During assisted lasing from ground units (including helicopter), safety- / optimal attack zones must be taken into account.

- Optimal attack zone is ±10° to ±45° from LTL.

- No direction of attack should exceed ±60° from LTL.

- No direction of attack should be less then ±10° from LTL.

Capabilities

LGB

TBU

AGM-65 "Maverick"

TBU

AGM-114K "Hellfire"

The AGM-114K have two main launch modes:
1. LOBL, Where the missile locks on to a designation before launch.

+ More permissive missile launch constraints.

+ Shorter engagement range.

- Requires LOS.

- Require designation from launch.

2. LOAL, Where the missile locks on to a designation after launch.

+ Admits employment from behind cover.

+ Admits delayed designation.

- Less permissive missile launch constraints.

- Longer minimum engagement range.

The LOAL mode have three sub modes that affect the trajectory of the missile: Direct, Low and High.

Restriction	LOBL	LOAL
		Direct	Low	High
Min Range 0° Offset	1km	2km	3km	4km
Min Range 8° Offset	1km	3km	4km	5km
Max Range 0°- 8° Offset	8km	8km	8km	8km
Min cloud base*	100ft	100ft	600ft	1500ft
Max obstacle height*	0ft	0ft	400ft**	1100ft***

* In reference to the helicopter
** 1km in front of helicopter
*** 2km in front of helicopter

A more detailed description of the missile's capabilities can be found in the Apache manual found here

AGR-20 APKWS

TBU

Procedures

Autonomous "Self Lasing"

TBU

Assisted "Ground/Buddy Lasing"

During assisted LGW employment procedures described below the aircraft/helicopter releasing the weapon will be referred to as the MULE and the aircraft/helicopter or JTAC designating the target as the GUIDER.

Static Guider

GUIDER acquires target position and decide on the appropriate direction of attack considering surrounding terrain, obstructing objects and orientation of the target.

- The position of the target can be specified in different ways. Some are described here but any method understood by both GUIDER and MULE can be used with regards to accuracy requirements for selected weapon.

- Only LTL is specified if the target is not obscured by terrain or objects. (Restrict only when necessary)

When done, GUIDER reports target position and LTL with direction of attack (if needed) to MULE.

Example:
Target in the open, target position given in MGRS and no restriction needed.

GUIDER: "Grid DU 2910 5784, Altitude 1534ft, LTL 360°"

Target located northeast of a building, target position given in Lat/Long and attack from southeast required.

GUIDER: "N66°19.93' E019°25.02', Altitude 1534ft, LTL 360°, Attack from Right"

Target located between two buildings, target position given as "known point" and specific attack heading required.

GUIDER: "Fire at target reference point Kilo, LTL 360°, FAH 340°±10°"

MULE reads back target position and restrictions given by the GUIDER, enters position into the system and carries out the necessary preparations for the attack. When ready to commence, MULE reports ready and specifies the laser code to be used.

Example:
MULE ready and PRF code 1615 in use.

MULE: "Ready, 1615"

GUIDER reads back and check/set PRF code on LTD. When ready to designate target, GUIDER reports ready.

Example:
GUIDER ready.

GUIDER: "Ready"

MULE conducts the attack. Reports:

• When leaving IP/Commencing
• Weapon employment (if needed)
• "10 seconds" (if needed)
• "Laser ON"
• "Spot" (if needed)

Example:
MULE pushing from an IP and performs a high altitude LGB drop with long TOF.

MULE: "Pushing"

MULE: "One away"

MULE: "10 seconds"

MULE: "Laser ON"

GUIDER: "Lasing"

GUIDER Designates target until impact or "cease laser" call from the MULE. GUIDER conducts a BDA and reports BDA to MULE.

Example:
GUIDER sees the impact, can determine that the target is destroyed and no more support needed.

GUIDER: "Splash, BDA, target destroyed, you may depart"

GUIDER sees the impact, can't determine that the target is destroyed until smoke cleares.

GUIDER: "Splash, stand by for BDA, target obscured by smoke"

GUIDER: "BDA, target destroyed, you may depart"

Glossary

LASER BREVITY TERMS

• TEN SECONDS Standby for LASER ON call in approximately 10 seconds
• LASER ON Start/ acknowledge LASER designation
• SHIFT Shift LASER aimpoint.
• SPOT Acquisition of LASER designation
• CEASE LASER Discontinue lasing
• DEAD EYE LASER designator system inoperative
• NEGATIVE LASER LASER energy has not been acquired
• LASING The speaker is firing the LASER
• STARE Cue the LASER spot search/ tracker function on the specified location

Abbreviations

• LOBL Lock On Before Launch
• LOAL Lock On After Launch
• LTD Laser Target Designator
• LRFD Laser Range Finder Designator
• LSS Laser Spot Search
• LST Laser Spot Track
• LGW Laser Guided Weapon
• PRF Pulse Repetition Frequency
• LOS Line Of Sight
• LTL Laser-Target Line
• TOF Time Of Flight
• BDA Battle Damage Assessment