In combat-like situations, one of the most challenging tasks was to determine what to avoid and what objects to target. Targeting enemy is even more challenging when their objects are hidden among civilians’. This is where marking or designating the target is required. Thanks to the modern laser technology that targeting has become accurate and precise.
In modern defense, surveillance, and precision-strike operations, laser technology has reshaped how militaries identify, track, and neutralize targets. The most important tools are laser target designators (LTDs), which are used to accurately mark objects with a laser “spot.” Guided munitions and sensors can home in on these marks with unmatched precision. Their reliability and accuracy make them indispensable across land, air, and naval operations.
Decoding laser designators
As perceived from the term, these are designators or devices used to emit a coded, pulsed laser beam to illuminate or mark a target. Laser-guided weapons or sensors detect the reflected laser energy and adjust their trajectory toward the marked point.
Different types of designators are used for tracking or marking targets, from UAS, high-flying planes, rifle-mounted targeting, portable targeting, and others. Depending on that, the designators can be mounted on aircraft (fixed-wing, helicopters, drones), ground vehicles, naval assets, and handheld units used by soldiers or special operations teams
Capabilities of laser target designators:
- High-precision target marking
- Long-range target engagement
- Compatibility with laser-guided weapons
- Coded laser signaling
- All-weather and day/night operation
- Integration with advanced optics
Major applications of laser target designators:
- Precision-guided strike in military operations
- Reconnaissance and surveillance
- Forward observation and artillery coordination
- Close air support (CAS) – to guide in-danger aircraft toward friendly troops
- Naval operations
- Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Border security and counter-terrorism
Whatever your laser needs, ERDI Tech Ltd.can provide the engineering and manufacturing support for custom products. The in-house R&D team helps in designing and manufacturing of laser products that matches or specific requirements.