F-3 LRF Deceptor
Laser Rangefinder Countermeasure
Magnit Ltd.
F-3, a new "Soft Countermeasure" system from the Ukraine
Company Magnit Ltd, was displayed at Defexpo 06 for the first time. This
passive system is activated by laser rangefinder pulses received when
the protected target is illuminated by an enemy laser, prior to firing.
When a pulse is detected, F-3 emits a false echo, disrupting the range
measurement, and causing the enemy to overshoot to the falsely extended
range. The false laser signal is emitted at a wavelength of 1.06 micron,
causing an error of +/- 400 meters (this error rate can be changed at
the factory). F-3 is designed to defeat both direct fire and
semi-automatic beam-riding missiles. F-3 performs equally well against
amplitude-time selection based Fire Control Systems (FCS), used in
modern Russian tanks (&T-80, 84, 90), which cannot determine the actual
range to the target, and against time selection based FCS, used in most
western tanks (Abrams, Leclerc, Leopard) which cannot read exact range
and consequently, hit probability is reduced and shot preparation time
is increased by 15-20 seconds. According to the manufacturer, F-3 is
being fielded by the Ukrainian Armed forces. |
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