Ultralight Laser Designator (ULD) Development: Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Solid State Laser

摘要

Lightweight, compact laser designators are required for precision targeting systems across many US Army weapon platforms. Current US Army fielded laser designator systems are too heavy. For example, the G/VLLD, used by the US Army's Field Artillery's forward observers, weighs over sixty pounds. The LLDR, which is the US Army's most recently fielded laser designator system, weighs in at just under 40 pounds. The combat effectiveness of the soldier is impaired when he has to carry a current US Army fielded laser designator system. A lighter laser designator system allows the soldier to increase his load in other areas (such as food, munitions, water, etc.) and enhances his mobility and reduces his fatigue. Ultra-lightweight laser designators are also required for the small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) systems that are becoming increasing important on the battlefield. The more compact and lighter laser designator is needed due to the small payload capacities of these platforms.