Finding the Target

摘要

To generate the grid of a target, an acquisition system must first know its own position. From there it can establish the range of the target and the latter's angle relative to the north. A sighting system, (preferably a day and night type), an accurate locating system, a laser rangefinder and a digital magnetic compass are the usual component of such a device. Its ability to identify a coded laser beam is also useful to confirm the target to the pilot and thereby increase safety and reduce communication traffic; this is the role of spot trackers. Markers, on the other hand, are not sufficiently powerful to guide weapons, but allow to mark the target for ground or airborne designators that in the end guide the munition's semi-active laser seeker spot on target. Finally, artillery location radars allow to pinpoint enemy artillery positions even if, as often is the case, they are not in direct view. As indicated in the introduction, only hand-held systems are examined in this Compendium.