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Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guidance
techniques combine very high precision, with "man-in-the-loop"
capability. Weapon's sensors, utilizing SAL to detect a coded laser
spot which is created by a target designator illuminating the
target. The laser spot clearly marks the target to an aerial
attacker or guided weapon.
Coordination can be achieved at "speed of light", without
requiring lengthy transfer of coordinates which is susceptible to
errors. Laser guided weapons can also be used effectively in urban
terrain. However, constant lines of sight between the target,
laser designator and the weapon must be maintained. Ground designation
and UAV designation provide effective support for laser
targeting. Ground designation is effective when vertical
targets (walls, doors and windows in buildings) are engaged while UAVs or
other aerial platforms can take advantage of the unobstructed view
of the scene. UAVs and airborne designators become very efficient
when engaging moving cars, which can be hidden from ground
observers behind other vehicles, buildings or trees. Airborne
designators can also designate combatants hidden behind walled
patios or in orchards, etc. However, due to their high aspect
angle, they are limited in the targeting of vertical surfaces,
such as windows or doors. Except for line of sight verification
and allocation of codes prior to the mission, the use of SAL does
not impose further limitations or complexities when operating in
good visibility conditions, (day or night) and therefore it is
suitable for ad-hoc engagements of targets of opportunity and
close air support. Modern laser guided weapons are integrating
both GPS and laser guidance
capability, offering high precision, all-weather attack
capability.
Laser guided weapons are adversely affected by visibility
conditions (clouds, smoke etc) and obscurants. There are also
operational limitations on the flight envelopes which have to be
flown, exposing aircraft and helicopters to anti-aircraft weapons.
When deployed or designated from standoff range, laser guided
weapons usually reach the target at flat angles, which do not have
sufficient vertical velocity for deep penetration of flat
structures (such as underground bunkers). Therefore, such weapons
are preferably dropped from shorter distances and high altitude,
or through a "loft" maneuver to maintain steep attack angles and
high penetration speed. |
