Type 163 Laser Target Designator - A lightweight, powerful laser target designator for NATO forces

Target markers are an indispensable tool for assigning targets in close air support and fire control. In this way, they increase the effectiveness of fulfilling orders and ensure the survival of their own forces.

Target markers are described and standardized in NATO STANAG 3733. They use a laser beam to mark a target. The laser beam is reflected/scattered by the target and the "marking" of the target caused by the reflection can be picked up and used by laser seekers (SAL Seeker).

The STANAG 3733 distinguishes between performance classes of target markers based on the output power of the laser in mJ. High power target markers >50 mJ used to be very cumbersome and heavy, and therefore of limited use by soldiers in dismounted scenarios. Although lighter target markers <25 mJ were handy and also available in pistol form, for example, they only had a limited range and disadvantageous optical scattering, so that the marking of the target was not sufficient for the target-detecting sensor.

In principle, the demand for range is directly linked to the protection of one's own soldier. Even when using an invisible frequency, the laser beam is of course detectable and leads to the threat of enemy fire on the battlefield. The threat of enemy fire decreases as the range of the target marker increases.

Leonardo MW Ltd. from Edinburgh set itself the task in 2013 of closing this capability gap and providing dismounted forces with a compact and light, but also permanently powerful laser target marker. The Type 163 Laser Target Designator was developed with the expertise of 40 years of laser development and the experience (>70% market share) of more than 5,000 delivered powerful air-to-ground lasers for targeting pods of different air forces.

With a weight of only 2.3 kg including the battery and an output power of 80 mJ, the Type 163 Laser Traget Designator has a range of more than 10 km. A battery charge enables the laser to be used continuously for a period of approx. 45 minutes without a cooling phase.

The beam divergence of just <200 μRad ensures that even at target distances of over 10 km, enough energy hits the target for the sensor or targeting pod to reliably acquire the target even in poor weather.

Overall, Leonardo MW Ltd. an emphasis on usability in the field and handling by the soldier. For example, the 10x optics use the same viewing channel as the laser to eliminate aberrations caused by temperature changes. A range finder allows the user to safely determine the distance to the target. A Picatinny rail offers the possibility to mount different See-Spot devices. With a volume requirement of 2 l (comparable to two milk cartons), the compact design allows it to be stowed away and easily transported in a backpack. A remote control allows the target marker to be used from cover. Of course, the target marker can be used by hand or with the help of a tripod.

The target marker is delivered with all PrF codes used by NATO. The user can change the PrF code within 3 seconds.

More than 19 NATO and NATO+ nations have already chosen the Type 163 Laser Target Designator. More than 700 target markers have already been delivered to NATO customers.

The Type 163 Target Designator has proven itself in numerous operations with Special Forces, JTACs and JFST.