APPENDIX K.

LASER EMPLOYMENT
Laser weapons systems consists of ground and air-
borne designators used with surface or air delivered LASER TARGET DESIGNATION, RANGING,
guided munitions. Systems include laser designators/ AND POINTING SYSTEMS
rangefinders, laser acquisition/spot trackers or seekers,
laser guided weapons, and delivery platforms. Laser
systems are used by artillery FOs, NSF spotters, Laser designators provide the energy source that is re-
FACs, reconnaissance personnel, and fixed-and rota- flected from a designated target to provide terminal
ry-wing pilots. Several references for laser employ- guidance for LGWs. These systems emit discrete puls-
ment and procedures exist. Joint Pub 3-09.1, JTTP for es of infrared energy, invisible to the naked eye. Char-
Laser Target Designation Operations, provides de- acteristics of these pulses are determined by a PRF
tailed information on all Service laser systems and code of the laser energy that can be set by a series of
munitions. MCWP 3-16.6, Supporting Arms Observer, switches on the equipment. Laser target ranging sys-
Spotter, and Controller, provides detailed information tems provide accurate range direction and elevation in-
on ground laser systems. formation for use in locating enemy targets or other
positions but are not capable of designating for laser
guided munitions. IR pointers simply provide visual
identification of targets. Systems vary from handheld
BASIC REQUIREMENTS to aircraft-mounted devices. The laser designator/
rangefinder inventory within the Marine Corps follows.
The five basic requirements to use laser designators
with laser seekers or laser guided munitions follow.
Modular Universal Lasing Equipment
A pulse repetition frequency (PRF) code is used for
The modular universal laser equipment (MULE) (AN/
the laser designator, the laser spot tracker (LST), and
PAQ-3) is a laser designator/rangefinder capable of
the laser guided weapon (LGW). Each must use the
designating moving targets to a range of 2,000 meters
same code when operating together.
or stationary targets to 3,500 meters. Maximum
An agreed upon direction of attack is necessary. The rangefinding capability is 10,000 meters. The MULE
LST or LGW must be able to acquire the energy re- system has a north-seeking capability that allows self-
flected from the target. orientation for direction and a readout of both grid and
true azimuths. It is capable of detecting multitarget re-
The laser designator must be lasing/designating the flections. The MULE can be operated during periods
target at the correct time and for the proper duration. of darkness or reduced visibility at slightly reduced
ranges by use of a night vision device. It is interopera-
The delivery system must release the munition within ble with the digital message system (DMS), and indi-
the specific munition delivery envelope. rectly, through the DMS, with the battery computer
system (BCS). When used in conjunction with the pre-
Line of sight must exist between the designator and cision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR), it provides
the target, as well as between the target and the tracker accurate observer and target location. The MULE is
or LGW. The LGW can have LOS before or after powered by vehicle for sustained operations or battery
launch, depending upon the system capabilities. for a shorter duration.
K-2 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16

Target Location Designation Illumination Devices

and Hand-off System
Handheld lasers emit infrared (IR) light for compatibili-
ty with NVGs. These devices can either “flood” IR light
The TLDHS is a modular, man-portable (43 pounds
within 1,000 meters to enhance general NVG perfor-
for LLDR and THS), automated target acquisition, lo- mance, or focus a small beam up to 4 kilometers to pin-
cation, and designation system that can digitally hand- point a specific target or mark friendly positions with an
off target data to fire support platforms. It has the ca- IR light beam for any unit or weapon system employing
pability of designating moving targets to 3,000 meters NVGs. Examples include IZLID and GCB-1B.
and stationary targets to 5,000 meters. Maximum
rangefinding capability is 10,000 meters. TLDHS is
comprised of two independent subsystems. The light-
weight laser designator-rangefinder (LLDR) provides LASER ACQUISITION DEVICES
the target location and designation capability through
the integration of day and thermal optics, eye-safe la-
Laser acquisition devices are systems that allow visual
ser rangefinder, angle and vertical angle, GPS receiv- acquisition of a coded laser designated target. They
er, and a laser designator for LGWs and spot trackers. must be set to the same PRF code as the laser designa-
The second subsystem is the target hand-off system tor for the user to see the target being lased. There are
(THS). THS provides the capability to compose, trans- two types of laser acquisition devices. Note that the
mit, and receive digital fire support messages. AH-1W has the capability to use onboard Hellfire mu-
nitions as an improvised LST prior to firing.
Laser Infrared Observation
Set (AN/GVS-5) Laser Acquisition/Spot Tracker Pod
The coded laser acquisition/spot tracker (LST) can be
The AN/GVS-5 is a hand held, battery operated laser carried on the F/A-18 A/C/D. Once it acquires the la-
rangefinder. It has no ability to designate targets or de- ser spot (target), it passes necessary ballistic informa-
termine direction. It has a 7 x 50 monocular sighting tion to allow FLIR or radar acquisition of target and
system and an accuracy of plus/minus 10 meters for visual display. Desired PRF codes are in-flight select-
distances from 200 to 9,990 meters. It can provide a able. It then employs LGWs or executes visual deliv-
maximum of 100 range readouts per battery charge. eries of non-laser ordnance.

Laser Target Designator/Rangefinder Pod Angle Rate Bombing System

The ARBS is used on the AV-8B. It consists of a 3-ax-
The F/A-18 C/D is capable of carrying AN/AAS-38 is gimballed telivision/LST, enabling view of the laser
LTD/R pod which provides two functions. Its laser spot. It provides day or night attack and reattack infor-
designator provides terminal weapons guidance for all mation for either LGW or non-guided bombs. The sys-
LGWs, as well as designating targets for airborne tem allows in-flight selection of PRF codes but is
coded laser acquisition/spot trackers (LSTs). 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 ca- target reflected laser energy. There are instances when
pability, as well as forward looking infrared (FLIR) vi- LSTs have acquired and locked onto the laser signa-
sual capability and video capture. It performs the same ture caused by atmospheric attenuation around the la-
functions as the LTD/R pod for fixed-wing platforms. ser designator device.
 ______________________________________________
Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element K-3

Laser-Guided Bombs
LASER GUIDED WEAPONS
The MK-82, -83, and -84 are Marine Corps designa-
tions for the 500, 1,000, and 2,000 pound bombs that
These munitions hone in on reflected laser energy dur- can be converted to the GBU-12, GBU-16, and GBU-
ing the terminal portion of the attack. Such munitions 10 laser-guided bombs, respectively. These bombs use
are part of the precision guided munition (PGM) family. common laser guidance and control subassemblies,
with only the aerodynamic surfaces changed to match
the particular size of warhead.
Copperhead
Paveway I and II LGBs require ballistically accurate
The Copperhead (M732 CLGP) is a 155 millimeter delivery (release within an envelope) and continuous
cannon-launched, laser-guided projectile used to de- laser energy during the last 10 seconds of flight. When
feat high-payoff targets. It has a maximum range of delivered from a low-altitude loft maneuver, lasing is
16,800 meters and a minimum range of 3,000 meters. restricted to the last 10 seconds of flight to prevent
Copperhead targets can be designated by ground or bombs missing short. They can be employed in a
airborne designators. Multiple targets in large target standoff capacity. The PRF codes are set before air-
arrays or widely separated targets may be engaged. craft launch.
The projectile follows one of two trajectories depend-
ing on visibility conditions. Upon reaching a point on
its descending trajectory, the laser designator operator
lases the target. The projectile acquires the reflected LASER-GUIDED WEAPONS PLANNING
laser energy and maneuvers to the designated target.
Its payload consists of a 15-pound-shaped charge.
Due to the enhanced complexity of laser weapon sys-
tems and their specific requirements for employment,
Maverick 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,
and F/A-18 aircraft. It can be used against armored ve- Integration
hicles, field fortifications, or surface combatants. The
Optimum use of PGMs is on preplanned targets or en-
missile requires lock on before launch. Once, the Mav-
gagement areas outside or at the maximum range of ma-
erick is launched, the aircraft can break away or
neuver 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 targets
pound warhead. If Maverick loses the spot, the missile
and reduces the effects of an obscured battlefield. How-
goes ballistic over the target and does not explode. The
ever, integration into the overall battle plan is necessary.
PRF code is cockpit selectable.
Integration with direct fire weapons creates a combined
arms effect as well as ensures mutual support.
Hellfire
Environmental Conditions
The Hellfire (AGM-114) is a laser-guided, anti-armor
missile launched from the AH-1W/Z Super Cobra air- LGWs require line of sight with both the designator and
craft. It can be employed in indirect (lock on after the target, and the LGW and the target. Irregular terrain
launch) or direct (lock on before launch) fire methods. and vegetation must be considered in the location of
Hellfire can be launched in four firing modes: one mis- EAs, LTDs, and LGWs. Rain, snow, fog, and low
sile (single), two or more missiles on the same code clouds can reduce the effectiveness of laser-guided mu-
(rapid), two or more missiles launched on different nitions ability to acquire radiation. Laser designators
codes using multiple laser designators (ripple), or multi- line of sight can be reduced. Snow on the ground pro-
ple codes and designators used in combination of rapid duces a negative effect on laser-guided munition accu-
and ripple fire. The PRF code is cockpit selectable. racy or cause spillover. Extreme temperatures (below
K-4 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16

32 degrees) can affect MULE battery life. Obscuration Code Description

of the battlefield can also reduce the effectiveness of
LGWs. When possible, employ techniques such as at- The system uses either a three-digit or four-digit nu-
tacking downwind targets first. meral system, depending on the type of laser equip-
ment. Three digit settings range from 111 to 788,
while four digit settings range from 1,111 to 1,788. All
Munition Employment Characteristics three and four digit designator/seekers are compatible.
Lower numbered PRF codes provide higher quality
The specific engagement requirements for each LGW designation due to faster pulse repetition.
varies and must be considered in planning. Consider-
ations include minimum and maximum ranges, mini-
mum visibility and required designation times, and Code Allocation and Assignment
maximum angle of acquisition. Laser guided weapons system codes must be con-
trolled and coordinated. At the MAGTF level, differ-
For example, Copperhead has engagement templates, a ent blocks of codes are assigned to artillery, air, and
13 second designation requirement, and a maximum ac- NGF to prevent interference between supporting
quisition angle of 800 mils (45 degrees) between the ob- arms activities.
server and GTL. The minimum visibility to effectively
use Copperhead is 5,000 meters. The Maverick has a Each supporting arm then assigns codes to its subordi-
maximum range of 24 kilometers, requires continual nate units for individual missions and changes codes
lasing, and has a 60 degree maximum acquisition angle. periodically as the situation requires. Subordinate
The Hellfire has an 8 kilometer maximum range, a 60 FSCCs provide positive coordination of the code set-
degree maximum acquisition angle, and also requires tings through the various fire support representatives.
continual lasing. Normally codes are given to individual observers,
however observers are able to use the same codes as
long as it is coordinated; e.g., observers use the same
Designator Location and Characteristics code when one is a back-up.

Whether airborne or ground designator, the location of

Each MULE/TLDHS operator normally uses his own
the laser designator must ensure line of sight to the tar-
PRF code unless employing LGBs or for preplanned
get while allowing the LGW to acquire the target with- missions with distinct PRFs. His PRF code is con-
in the parameters of its attack angle, 1067 mils (60 firmed before mission execution of aerial delivered
degrees) in most cases. Blocking line of sight between LGWs. LGBs PRF codes cannot be changed in flight.
the LGW and the laser designator produces false lock-
on. Airborne designators should remain behind deliv- For preplanned CAS, codes are ultimately assigned to
ery platforms while ground designators use terrain or each flight. The LTD must match the preset LGB
vegetation to break line of sight when possible. The codes, while Maverick, Hellfire, and Copperhead can
short lifespan of battery powered designators should be set to match the designators PRF code.
be considered in extended operations.

Security
PRF Codes
The PRF codes are handled in the same manner as oth-
Laser coding permits the simultaneous use of multiple er classified material. Secure means should be used, if
laser designators and laser guided weapons/seekers. available, when codes are passed between laser desig-
Laser designators and seekers use a PRF coding sys- nators and the munition delivery unit/aircraft. Howev-
tem to ensure that a specific seeker and designator er, the absence of compatible secure means should not
combination work in harmony. By setting the same normally dictate the termination of a laser guided mu-
code in both the designator and the seeker, the seeker nition attack. In certain situations, codes may have to
tracks only the target that is designated with that code. be prebriefed.
 ______________________________________________
Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element K-5

Safety
EMPLOYMENT
There are two hazards associated with laser systems
applicable in both combat and peacetime training.
Key factors must be considered when employing laser
The first is the ability of the LST or LGW to acquire
systems. Adverse effects of these factors can often be
and guide in on spillover laser energy rather than the
overcome by planning and skillful employment of the
target; i.e., the laser designator. This is known as
laser designators.
false lock-on. The second is the laser beam’s intense
infrared radiation that can cause serious eye damage
and blindness. Ground Mode
Ground laser designators identify targets for artillery,
False Lock-on NSFS, and aircraft delivered munitions. MULE
equipped teams can designate for laser-guided muni-
A seeker may detect scattered radiation that is caused tions as well as conventional ordnance delivered by
by suspended matter in the atmosphere. It is called LST. Standard calls for fire are used except that the la-
atmospheric scatter/attenuation or backscatter. ser code must be exchanged between the ground des-
ignator and the firing unit or the aircraft.
To mitigate the effects of atmospheric scatter, 20-de-
gree angle with its origin at the target and bisecting Airborne Mode
the laser designator establishes a safety exclusion
Airborne laser target designators identify targets for
zone for air delivered munitions (excluding Copper-
all types of aircraft delivered munitions. Airborne des-
head) and LSTs.
ignator systems operating in support of ground maneu-
ver forces can employ all types of laser guided
Aerial platforms must avoid this zone during desig- munitions. Standard calls for fire or request for air
nation to reduce the likelihood of an LST or LGW support are used, except that the code being used must
acquiring the designator vice the target. The exclu- be exchanged.
sion zone is not an absolute safety measure as some
LSTs have acquired the atmospheric scatter in front
Communications
of the ground laser designator even though the LSTs
were outside the safety zone. Positive communications between the designator oper-
ator and the munition delivery means is required to co-
In combat, attack headings should avoid this zone if ordinate the proper PRF code, the seeker/laser
possible. Peacetime employment follows training designator alignment, and target designation timing.
safety requirements.
Enemy Countermeasures (NATO)
Eye Hazard Judicious use of laser target designators limit the ene-
my’s countermeasure capability. Designator vulnera-
During combat, take care to avoid friendly casualties bility must be considered when designating point
from indiscriminate laser designation. Be cautious in targets such as tanks, BMPs, and guns that can detect
designating highly reflective targets that can cause radiation and suppress designators. Offset aim points
dangerous reflected beams. The policy of the United reduce a target’s ability to react.
States Armed Forces prohibits employing laser
weapons that are specifically designed to, or have a
combat function of, causing permanent blindness.
Aim Points
Peacetime use of lasers imposes strict safety require- The nature of the target surface affects the aim point
ments during training exercises. Range and unit safe- as it varies the amount and direction of reflected radi-
ty SOPs must be adhered to in their employment. ation. Concave or poorly defined targets; e.g., caves
K-6 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16

and tunnels, may absorb the laser spots. Horizontal nate designators can be useful in reducing smoke and
flat surfaces can refract or cause enough spillover to dust effects.
cause misses.
Darkness
Battlefield Obscuration
Targets are more difficult to locate, range, and desig-
Smoke, dust, and debris can impair the use of laser nate during low illumination. The night sight on the
guided munitions. Reflective scattering of laser light designator will overcome the effects of darkness and
by smoke particles may present false targets. The night can assist during periods of poor visibility and inclem-
sight, alternate positions on higher ground, and alter- ent weather.