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In the hands of the advanced observer of the Italian army, the Elbit PLDRII reconnaissance and target designation device, which is in service with many customers, including the corps marines, where it is designated AN/PEQ-17
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In order to generate target coordinates, the data acquisition system must first know its own position. From it, she can determine the range to the target and the angle of the latter relative to the true pole. Surveillance system (preferably day and night), system exact definition location, laser rangefinder, digital magnetic compass are typical components of such a device. It is also a good idea in such a system to have a tracking device capable of identifying a coded laser beam to confirm the target to the pilot, which, as a result, increases safety and reduces communication exchange. Pointers, on the other hand, are not powerful enough to aim weapons, but allow the target to be marked for ground or airborne (airborne) designators, which, ultimately, direct the semi-active laser homing head of the ammunition to the target. Finally, artillery position radars allow you to accurately determine the position of enemy artillery, even if (and most often it happens) they are not in line of sight. As said, only manual systems will be considered in this review.
In order to understand what the military wants to have in their hands, let's look at the requirements published by the US Army in 2014 for their LTLM (Laser Target Location Module) II laser reconnaissance and target designation device, which should eventually replace the armed with the previous version of the LTLM. The Army expects a device weighing 1.8 kg (ultimately 1.6 kg), although the entire system, including the device itself, cables, tripod and lens cleaning kit, can raise the bar to 4.8 kg at best to 3.85 kg. By comparison, the current LTLM module has a base weight of 2.5 kg and a total weight of 5.4 kg. Target location error threshold is defined as 45 meters at 5 kilometers (same as LTLM), practical circular error probable (CEP) of 10 meters at 10 kilometers. For daytime operations, the LTLM II will have a minimum magnification of x7 optics, a minimum field of view of 6°x3.5°, an eyepiece scale in 10 mil increments, and a daytime color camera. It will provide streaming video and a wide field of view of 6°x4.5°, guaranteeing a recognition rate of 70% at 3.1 km and identification at 1.9 km in clear weather. The narrow field of view should be no more than 3°x2.25°, preferably 2.5°x1.87°, with appropriate recognition ranges of 4.2 or 5 km and identification ranges of 2.6 or 3.2 km. The thermal imaging channel will have the same target fields of view with a probability of 70% recognition at 0.9 and 2 km and identification at 0.45 and 1 km. Target data will be stored in the UTM/UPS coordinate unit, and data and images will be transmitted via RS-232 or USB 2.0 connectors. Power will be provided by L91 AA lithium batteries. The minimum ability to establish communication should be provided by a lightweight high-precision PLGR (Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver) GPS receiver and an advanced military DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver) GPS receiver, as well as developed GPS systems. However, the Army would prefer a system that could also interface with the Pocket Sized Forward Entry Device, Forward Observer Software/System, Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade-and-Below, and the Network Soldier System. Net Warrior.
BAE Systems offers two reconnaissance and target designation devices. The UTB X-LRF is an evolution of the UTB X device, to which a Class 1 laser rangefinder has been added with a range of 5.2 km. The device is based on an uncooled thermal imaging matrix of 640x480 pixels with a pitch of 17 microns, it can have optics with a focal length of 40, 75 and 120 mm with the corresponding magnification x2.1, x3.7 and x6.6, diagonal fields of view 19°, 10.5 ° and 6.5° and x2 electronic zoom. According to BAE Systems, the ranges of positive (80% probability) detection of a NATO standard target with an area of 0.75 m2 are 1010, 2220 and 2660 meters, respectively. The UTB X-LRF is equipped with a GPS system with an accuracy of 2.5 meters and a digital magnetic compass. It also includes a Class 3B laser pointer in the visible and infrared spectra. The instrument can store up to one hundred images in uncompressed BMP format. Power is provided by four L91 lithium batteries providing five hours of operation, although the instrument can be connected to an external power source via the USB port. The UTB X-LRF is 206mm long, 140mm wide and 74mm high, weighing 1.38kg without batteries.
In the US Army, BAE Systems' Trigr is known as the Laser Target Locator Module, it includes an uncooled thermal imaging array and weighs less than 2.5 kg.
The UTB X-LRF device is a further development of the UTB X, it has added a laser rangefinder, which made it possible to turn the device into a full-fledged reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation system
Another product from BAE Systems is the Trigr (Target Reconnaissance Infrared GeoLocating Rangefinder) laser reconnaissance and target designation device, developed in collaboration with Vectronix. BAE Systems provides the instrument with an uncooled thermal imager and a state-of-the-art selective availability GPS receiver, while Vectronix provides x7 magnification optics, a 5 km range fiber laser rangefinder and a digital magnetic compass. According to the company, the Trigr device guarantees a CEP of 45 meters at a distance of 5 km. The recognition range during the day is 4.2 km or more than 900 meters at night. The device weighs less than 2.5 kg, two sets guarantee round-the-clock operation. The entire system with tripod, batteries and cables weighs 5.5 kg. In the US Army, the device received the designation Laser Target Locator Module; in 2009, she was signed to a five-year, unspecified contract, plus two more in August 2012 and January 2013, worth $23.5 million and $7 million, respectively.
Northrop Grumman's Mark VII handheld laser reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation device has been replaced by an improved Mark VIIE device. This model received a thermal imaging channel instead of the image brightness enhancement channel of the previous model. The uncooled sensor significantly improves visibility at night and in difficult conditions; it features a field of view of 11.1°x8.3°. The daytime channel is based on forward-looking optics with an x8.2 magnification and a field of view of 7°x5°. The digital magnetic compass is ±8 mil accurate, the electronic clinometer is ±4 mil accurate, and positioning is provided by a built-in GPS/SAASM selective anti-jamming module. Laser rangefinder Nd-Yag (laser neodymium yttrium-aluminum garnet) with optical parametric generation provides a maximum range of 20 km with an accuracy of ±3 meters. The Mark VIIE weighs 2.5 kg with nine commercial CR123 cells and is equipped with an RS-232/422 data interface.
The newest product in Northrop Grumman's portfolio is the HHPTD (Hand Held Precision Targeting Device), which weighs less than 2.26 kg. Compared to its predecessors, it has a daytime color channel, as well as a non-magnetic celestial navigation module, which significantly improves the accuracy to the level required by modern GPS-guided munitions. A $9.2 million contract to develop the device was awarded in January 2013 in collaboration with Flir, General Dynamics and Wilcox. In October 2014, the device was tested at the White Sands missile range.
The Hand Held Precision Targeting Device is one of Northrop Grumman's latest developments; its comprehensive tests were carried out at the end of 2014
The main channel of the Flir Recon B2 family is a cooled thermal imaging channel. Device B2-FO with an additional daytime channel in the hands of an Italian commando (pictured)
Flir has several handheld targeting devices in its portfolio and works with other companies to provide night vision devices for such systems. The Recon B2 features a main thermal imaging channel operating in the mid-IR range. The 640x480 cooled indium antimonide sensor provides a 10°x8° wide field of view, a 2.5°x1.8° narrow field of view, and x4 continuous electronic zoom. The thermal imaging channel is equipped with autofocus, automatic brightness gain control and digital data enhancement. The auxiliary channel can be equipped with either a day sensor (model B2-FO) or a far infrared channel (model B2-DC). The first one is based on a color 1/4" color CCD camera with a 794x494 matrix with x4 continuous digital zoom and two same fields of view as the previous model. magnification x4.The B2 has a GPS C/A code (Coarse Acquisition code) module (however, a military standard GPS module can be built in to improve accuracy), a digital magnetic compass and a laser range finder with a range of 20 km and an 852nm Class 3B laser pointer.The B2 can store up to 1000 jpeg images that can be uploaded via USB or RS-232/422, NTSC/PAL and HDMI are also available for video recording. The instrument weighs less than 4 kg, including six D-batteries for four hours of continuous operation or more than five hours in an energy-saving mode. Recon B2 can be equipped with a kit remote control, which includes a tripod, a panoramic rotary device, a power supply and communication unit and a control unit.
Flir offers a lighter version of the Recon V surveillance and targeting device, which includes a thermal sensor, a range finder and other typical sensors packed in a 1.8 kg case.
The lighter model Recon B9-FO features an uncooled thermal imaging channel with a 9.3°x7° field of view and x4 digital zoom. The color camera has x10 continuous zoom and x4 digital zoom, while the GPS receiver, digital compass and laser pointer features are the same as the B2. The main difference lies in the rangefinder, which has a maximum range of 3 km. The B9-FO is designed for shorter range operation; it also weighs a lot less model B2, less than 2.5 kg with two D batteries that provide five hours of continuous operation.
With no day channel, the Recon V weighs even less, at just 1.8 kg with batteries that provide six hours of hot-swappable operation. Its 640x480 indium antimonide cooled matrix operates in the mid-IR region of the spectrum, it has optics with x10 magnification (wide field of view 20°x15°). The rangefinder device is designed for a range of 10 km, while the gyroscope based on microelectromechanical systems provides image stabilization.
The French company Sagem offers three binocular solutions for day/night target detection. They all feature the same color daylight channel with a 3°x2.25° field of view, an eye-safe 10 km laser rangefinder, a digital magnetic compass with 360° azimuth and ±40° elevation angles, and a GPS C/S module with accuracy up to three meters (the device can be connected to an external GPS module). The main difference between the devices lies in the thermal imaging channel.
Topping the list is the Jim UC multifunctional binoculars, which have an uncooled 640x480 sensor with identical night and daytime fields of view, while the wide field of view is 8.6°x6.45°. Jim UC is equipped with digital zoom, image stabilization, built-in photo and video recording; optional image fusion function between day and thermal imaging channels. It also includes an eye-safe 0.8µm laser pointer plus analog and digital ports. Without batteries, the binoculars weigh 2.3 kg. The rechargeable battery provides more than five hours of continuous operation.
The multifunctional binoculars Jim Long Range of the French company Sagem were supplied to the French infantry as part of the Felin combat equipment; in the photo, the binoculars are mounted on the Sterna target designation device from Vectronix
Next comes the more advanced Jim LR multifunctional binoculars, from which, by the way, the UC device “budded”. It is in service with the French army, being part of the combat equipment of the French soldier Felin. Jim LR features a thermal imaging channel with a 320x240 pixel sensor operating in the 3-5 µm range; the narrow field of view is the same as the UC model, and the wide field of view is 9°x6.75°. A more powerful laser pointer that increases the range from 300 to 2500 meters is available as an option. The cooling system naturally increases the mass of Jim LR devices to 2.8 kg without batteries. However, the cooled thermal imaging module significantly improves performance, the ranges of detection, recognition and identification of a person are respectively 3/1/0.5 km for the UC model and 7/2.5/1.2 km for the LR model.
The range is completed by Jim HR multifunctional binoculars with even higher performance, provided by a high-resolution VGA 640x480 matrix.
Vectronix's Sagem division offers two surveillance platforms that, when connected to systems from Vectronix and/or Sagem, form extremely accurate, modular targeting tools.
The digital magnetic compass included with the GonioLight Digital Observation Station is accurate to 5 mils (0.28°). Connecting a true (geographic) pole gyroscope improves accuracy to 1 mil (0.06°). A 4.4 kg gyroscope is installed between the station itself and the tripod, as a result, the total weight of the GonioLight, gyroscope and tripod tends to 7 kg. Without a gyroscope, such accuracy can be achieved through the use of built-in topographic referencing procedures using known landmarks or celestial bodies. The system has a built-in GPS module and an access channel to an external GPS module. The GonioLight station is equipped with an illuminated screen and has interfaces for computers, communications equipment and other external devices. In the event of a malfunction, the system has auxiliary scales to determine the direction and vertical angle. The system allows you to accept a variety of day or night surveillance devices and rangefinders, such as the Vector family of rangefinders or the Sagem Jim binoculars described above. Special mounts in the upper part of the GonioLight station also allow the installation of two optoelectronic subsystems. The total weight varies from 9.8 kg in the GLV configuration, which includes the GonioLight plus the Vector rangefinder, to 18.1 kg in the GL G-TI configuration, which includes the GonioLight, Vector, Jim-LR and gyroscope. The GonioLight observation station was developed in the early 2000s and since then more than 2000 of these systems have been delivered to many countries. This station was also used in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Vectronix's experience helped them develop the ultra-light, non-magnetic Sterna target designation system. If GonioLite is designed for ranges over 10 km, then Sterna for ranges of 4-6 km. Together with the tripod, the system weighs about 2.5 kg and is less than 1 mil (0.06°) accurate at any latitude using known landmarks. This allows you to get a target location error of less than four meters at a distance of 1.5 km. In the event that landmarks are not available, the Sterna system is equipped with a hemispherical resonant gyroscope jointly developed by Sagem and Vectronix, which provides an accuracy of 2 mils (0.11°) in determining true north up to a latitude of 60°. Set-up and orientation time is less than 150 seconds, and a rough alignment of ±5° is required. The Sterna is powered by four CR123A cells providing 50 orientations and 500 measurements. Like GonlioLight, the Sterna system can accept different types optoelectronic systems. For example, Vectronix's portfolio includes the lightest instrument at less than 3 kg, the PLRF25C, and the slightly heavier (less than 4 kg) Moskito. For more complex tasks, Vector or Jim devices can be added, but the weight increases to 6 kg. The Sterna system has a special attachment point for installation on the vehicle trunnion, from which it can be quickly removed for dismounted operations. To evaluate these systems in large quantities were supplied to the troops. The U.S. Army ordered Vectronix handheld systems and Sterna systems as part of the Handheld High Precision Targeting Device Requirements issued in July 2012. Vectronix is confident about the continued growth in sales of the Sterna system in 2015.
In June 2014, Vectronix showed the Moskito TI surveillance and target designation device with three channels: daytime optical with x6 magnification, optical (CMOS technology) with brightness enhancement (both with a 6.25 ° field of view) and uncooled thermal imaging with a 12 ° field of view. The device also includes a 10 km rangefinder with an accuracy of ±2 meters and a digital compass with an accuracy of ±10 mils (±0.6°) in azimuth and ±3 mils (±0.2°) in elevation. The GPS module is optional, although there is a connector for external civilian and military GPS receivers, as well as Galileo or GLONASS modules. It is possible to connect a laser pointer. The Moskito TI device has RS-232, USB 2.0 and Ethernet interfaces, Bluetooth wireless communication is optional. It is powered by three batteries or CR123A batteries, providing over six hours of uninterrupted operation. And finally, all the above systems are packed in a 130x170x80 mm device weighing less than 1.3 kg. This new product is a further development of the Moskito model, which, with a mass of 1.2 kg, has a daytime channel and a channel with brightness enhancement, a laser rangefinder with a range of 10 km, a digital compass; optional integration of civil standard GPS or connection to an external GPS receiver is possible.
Thales offers a complete range of reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation systems. The 3.4 kg Sophie UF system has an optical day channel with x6 magnification and a 7° field of view. The range of the laser rangefinder reaches 20 km, the Sophie UF can be equipped with a GPS P (Y) code (encrypted code for the exact location of an object) or C / A code (coarse location code for objects), which can be connected to an external DAGR / PLGR receiver. A magnetoresistive digital compass with 0.5° azimuth accuracy and a gravity sensor inclinometer with 0.1° accuracy complete the sensor package. The device is powered by AA cells providing 8 hours of operation. The system can operate in the modes of correcting the fall of shells and reporting data about the target; for exporting data and images, it is equipped with RS232/422 connectors. The Sophie UF system is also in service with the British Army under the designation SSARF (Surveillance System and Range Finder).
Moving from simple to complex, let's focus on the Sophie MF device. It includes a cooled 8-12 µm thermal imager with wide 8°x6° and narrow 3.2°x2.4° fields of view and x2 digital zoom. As an option there is a color day channel with a field of view of 3.7°x2.8° along with a laser pointer with a wavelength of 839 nm. The Sophie MF system also includes a 10 km laser rangefinder, a built-in GPS receiver, a connector for connecting to an external GPS receiver, and a magnetic compass with an accuracy of 0.5° in azimuth and 0.2° in elevation. Sophie MF weighs 3.5 kg and runs on a set of batteries for more than four hours.
The Sophie XF is almost identical to the MF model, the main difference is the thermal imaging sensor, which operates in the mid-wave (3-5 µm) IR region and has a wide 15°x11.2° and narrow 2.5°x1.9° field of view, optical magnification x6 and electronic magnification x2. Analog and HDMI outputs are available for video data output, because Sophie XF is capable of storing up to 1000 photos or up to 2 GB of video. There are also RS 422 and USB ports. The XF model is the same size and weight as the MF model, although the battery pack lasts just over six or seven hours.
The British company Instro Precision, specializing in goniometers and panoramic heads, has developed a modular reconnaissance and target designation system MG-TAS (Modular Gyro Target Acquisition System), based on a gyroscope, which allows high-precision determination of the true pole. Accuracy is less than 1 mil (not affected by magnetic interference) and the digital goniometer offers 9 mil accuracy depending on the magnetic field. The system also includes a lightweight tripod and a rugged handheld computer with a full set of targeting tools for calculating target data. The interface allows you to install one or two target designation sensors.
Vectronix has developed a light non-magnetic Sterna reconnaissance and target designation system with a range of 4 to 6 kilometers (installed on a Sagem Jim-LR in the photo)
The latest addition to the family of targeting devices is the Vectronix Moskito 77 model, which has two daylight and one thermal imaging channel.
The Sophie XF device from Thales allows you to determine the coordinates of the target, and for night vision there is a sensor operating in the mid-IR region of the spectrum
The Airbus DS Nestor system with a cooled thermal imaging matrix and a mass of 4.5 kg was developed for the German mountain infantry troops. It is in service with several armies
Airbus DS Optronics offers two Nestor and TLS-40 reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation devices, both manufactured in South Africa. The Nestor device, whose production began in 2004-2005, was originally developed for German mountain rifle units. The biocular system weighing 4.5 kg includes a day channel with x7 magnification and a 6.5° field of view with an increment of 5 mil reticle, as well as a thermal imaging channel based on a cooled matrix of 640x512 pixels with two fields of view, narrow 2.8°x2.3° and wide (11.4°x9.1°). The distance to the target is measured by a Class 1M laser range finder with a range of 20 km and an accuracy of ± 5 meters and adjustable strobing (pulse repetition frequency) in range. The direction and elevation of the target is provided by a digital magnetic compass with an accuracy of ±1° in azimuth and ±0.5° in elevation, while the measurable elevation angle is +45°. The Nestor has a built-in 12-channel GPS L1 C/A receiver (coarse definition), and external GPS modules can also be connected. There is a CCIR-PAL video output. The device is powered by lithium-ion batteries, but it is possible to connect to an external DC power source at 10-32 Volts. The cooled thermal imager increases the mass of the system, but at the same time increases the night vision capabilities. The system is in service with several European armies, including the Bundeswehr, several European border forces and unnamed buyers from the Middle and Far East. The company expects several large contracts for hundreds of systems in 2015, but new customers are not named there.
Using the experience gained from building the Nestor system, Airbus DS Optronics developed the lighter Opus-H system with an uncooled thermal imaging channel. Deliveries began in 2007. It has the same daylight channel, while the 640x480 microbolmetric array provides an 8.1°x6.1° field of view and the ability to save images in jpg format. Other components have been left unchanged, including the monopulse laser rangefinder, which not only extends measurement range without the need for tripod stabilization, but also detects and displays up to three targets at any range. The USB 2.0, RS232 and RS422 serial connectors are also retained from the previous model. Eight AA elements provide power supply. The Opus-H weighs about one kg less than the Nestor and is also smaller at 300x215x110mm compared to 360x250x155mm. Buyers of the Opus-H system from the military and paramilitary structures were not disclosed.
Airbus DS Optronics Opus-H system
Due to the growing need for lightweight and low-cost targeting systems, Airbus DS Optronics (Pty) has developed a series of TLS 40 devices that weigh less than 2 kg with batteries. Three models are available: TLS 40 with daylight only, TLS 40i with image enhancement, and TLS 40IR with uncooled thermal imaging sensor. Their laser rangefinder and GPS are the same as the Nestor. The digital magnetic compass operates over a range of ±45° vertical angles, ±30° cross-slope angles, and provides ±10 mil azimuth and ±4 mil elevation accuracy. Common with the previous two models, the biocular daytime optical channel with the same reticle as in the Nestor device has an x7 magnification and a field of view of 7°. The TLS 40i image enhancement variant has a monocular channel based on the Photonis XR5 tube with x7 magnification and a 6° field of view. The TLS 40 and TLS 40i models have the same physical characteristics, their dimensions are 187x173x91 mm. With the same weight as the other two models, the TLS 40IR is larger in size, 215x173x91 mm. It has a monocular day channel with the same magnification and a slightly narrower field of view of 6°. The 640x312 microbolometer array provides a 10.4°x8.3° field of view with x2 digital zoom. The image is displayed on a black and white OLED display. All TLS 40 models can optionally be equipped with a 0.89°x0.75° daytime camera for capturing images in jpg format and a voice recorder for recording voice comments in WAV format at 10 seconds per image. All three models are powered by three CR123 batteries or from an external 6-15 Volt power supply, have USB 1.0, RS232, RS422 and RS485 serial connectors, PAL and NTSC video outputs, and can also be equipped with an external GPS receiver. The TLS 40 series has already entered service with unnamed customers, including African ones.
Nyxus Bird Gyro differs from the previous Nyxus Bird model with a true pole gyroscope, which significantly improves the accuracy of determining the position of the target at long distances
The German company Jenoptik has developed the Nyxus Bird day-night reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation system, which is available in medium and long range. The difference lies in the thermal imaging channel, which for the variant medium range equipped with a lens with a field of view of 11°x8°. The ranges of detection, recognition and identification of a standard NATO target are 5, 2 and 1 km, respectively. The long range variant with 7°x5° field of view optics provides longer ranges of 7, 2.8 and 1.4 km respectively. The matrix size for both options is 640x480 pixels. The daytime channel of the two variants has a field of view of 6.75° and a magnification of x7. The Class 1 laser rangefinder has a typical range of 3.5 km, the digital magnetic compass provides an accuracy of 0.5° in azimuth in the 360° sector and in elevation of 0.2° in the 65° sector. The Nyxus Bird features multiple measurement modes and can store up to 2000 infrared images. With built-in GPS, however, it can be connected to a PLGR/DAGR system to further improve accuracy. For transferring photos and videos, there is a USB 2.0 connector, wireless Bluetooth is optional. With a 3 Volt lithium battery, the device weighs 1.6 kg, without the eyecup, the length is 180 mm, the width is 150 mm and the height is 70 mm. The Nyxus Bird is part of the German Army's IdZ-ES modernization program. The addition of a Micro Pointer tactical computer with an integrated geographic information system significantly increases the ability to localize targets. The Micro Pointer is powered by internal and external power supplies, has RS232, RS422, RS485 and USB connectors and an optional Ethernet connector. This small computer (191x85x81 mm) weighs only 0.8 kg. Another optional system is the non-magnetic true-pole gyroscope, which provides very accurate heading and precise target position at all ultra-long distances. A gyro head with the same connectors as the Micro Pointer can be connected to an external PLGR/DAGR GPS system. Four CR123A elements provide 50 orientations and 500 measurements. The head weighs 2.9 kg, and the whole system with a tripod 4.5 kg.
The Finnish company Millog has developed a Lisa manual target designation system, which includes an uncooled thermal imager and an optical channel with detection, recognition and vehicle identification ranges of 4.8 km, 1.35 km and 1 km, respectively. The system weighs 2.4 kg with batteries that provide a runtime of 10 hours. After receiving the contract in May 2014, the system began to enter service with the Finnish army.
Developed several years ago for the Soldato Futuro Italian Army soldier modernization program by Selex-ES, the Linx multifunctional handheld day / night reconnaissance and target designation device has been improved and now has an uncooled 640x480 matrix. The thermal imaging channel has a field of view of 10°x7.5° with optical magnification x2.8 and electronic magnification x2 and x4. The day channel is a color camera with two magnifications (x3.65 and x11.75 with corresponding fields of view 8.6°x6.5° and 2.7°x2.2°). The programmable electronic reticle is built into the color VGA display. Range measurement is possible up to 3 km, location is determined using the built-in GPS receiver, while a digital magnetic compass provides bearing information. Images are exported via USB. Further refinement of the Linx instrument is expected during 2015 with the introduction of miniature cooled sensors and new features.
In Israel, the military is seeking to increase its ability to fire cooperation. To this end, each battalion will be assigned an air strike coordination and ground fire support group. The battalion is currently assigned one artillery liaison officer. The national industry is already working to provide tools for this task.
The device Lisa of the Finnish company Millog is equipped with uncooled thermal imaging and daylight channels; with a mass of only 2.4 kg, it has a detection range of just under 5 km
The Coral-CR device with a cooled thermal imaging channel is part of the line of target designation systems of the Israeli company Elbit
Elbit Systems is very active in both Israel and the United States. Its Coral-CR surveillance and reconnaissance device has a 640x512 cooled medium-wavelength indium antimonide detector with optical fields of view from 2.5°x2.0° to 12.5°x10° and x4 digital magnification. The black-and-white CCD camera with fields of view from 2.5°x1.9° to 10°x7.5° operates in the visible and near-IR spectral region. Images are displayed on a high-resolution color OLED display through adjustable binocular optics. An eye-safe Class 1 laser rangefinder, built-in GPS, and a digital magnetic compass with 0.7° accuracy in azimuth and elevation complete the sensor suite. Target coordinates are calculated in real time and can be transmitted to external devices, the device can store up to 40 images. CCIR or RS170 video outputs are available. The Coral-CR is 281mm long, 248mm wide, 95mm high, and weighs 3.4kg including the rechargeable ELI-2800E battery. The device is in service with many NATO countries (in America under the designation Emerald-Nav).
The uncooled Mars thermal imager is lighter and cheaper, based on a 384x288 vanadium oxide detector. In addition to the thermal imaging channel with two fields of view 6°x4.5° and 18°x13.5°, it has a built-in color day camera with fields of view 3°x2.5° and 12°x10°, a laser rangefinder, a GPS receiver and a magnetic compass. The Mars instrument is 200 mm long, 180 mm wide and 90 mm high, and weighs only 2 kg with battery.
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In accordance with the plans for further building up the power of the armed forces of the capitalist states, weapons and Combat vehicles created on the basis of the latest achievements of science.
At present, units of the infantry, mechanized and armored divisions of many capitalist countries are equipped with artillery laser rangefinders.
In the work of laser rangefinders foreign armies the pulse method for determining the distance to the target is used, that is, the time interval between the moment of emission of the probing pulse and the moment of reception of the signal reflected from the target is measured. By the delay time of the reflected signal relative to the probing pulse, the distance is determined, the value of which is digitally projected on a special display or in the field of view of the eyepiece. The angular coordinates of the target are determined using goniometers.
The artillery rangefinder equipment includes the following main parts: a transmitter, a receiver, a range counter, a display device, and a built-in optical sight for pointing the rangefinder at the target. The equipment is powered by rechargeable batteries.
The transmitter is based on a solid-state laser. As an active substance, ruby, yttrium-aluminum garnet with an admixture of neodymium and neodymium glass are used. The pumping sources are high-power gas-discharge flash lamps. The formation of laser radiation pulses of megawatt power and a duration of several nanoseconds is provided by modulation (switching) of the quality factor of the optical resonator. The most common mechanical method of Q-switching with a rotating prism. Portable rangefinders use electro-optical Q-switching using the Pockels effect.
The rangefinder receiver is a direct amplification receiver with a photomultiplier or photodiode type detector. Transmitting optics reduce divergence laser beam, and the receiver optics focuses the reflected laser radiation signal onto the photodetector.
The use of artillery laser rangefinders allows solving the following tasks:
- determination of target coordinates with automatic output of information to the fire control system;
- fire adjustment from a forward observation post by measuring and issuing the coordinates of targets via communication channels to the command post (PU) of artillery units (subdivisions);
- conducting reconnaissance of the terrain and enemy objects.
Artillery laser rangefinders are being developed and mass-produced in Great Britain, France, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and other capitalist countries.
in the USA for ground forces Artillery laser rangefinders AN/GVS-3 and AN/GVS-5 were developed.
The AN/GVS-3 range finder is designed primarily for forward field artillery observers. Within the line of sight, it provides measurement of the range and angular coordinates of the target with an accuracy of ± 10 m and ± 7 ", respectively. and elevation) For combat work, the rangefinder is mounted on a tripod.
The AN / GVS-3 rangefinder transmitter is made on a ruby laser, Q-switching is carried out using a rotating prism. A photomultiplier is used as a detector. The power supply of the rangefinder equipment is provided by a 24 V battery, which is mounted on the bipod of the tripod in the working position.
The AN/GVS-5 rangefinder is intended for field artillery forward observers (like the AN/GVS-3). In addition, American experts believe that it can be used in the Air Force and Navy. In appearance, it resembles field binoculars (Fig. 1). It was reported that by order of the US Army, the Radio Corporation of America would manufacture 20 sets of such rangefinders for testing. With the help of the AN/GVS-5 rangefinder, range can be measured with an accuracy of ±10 m within the line of sight. The measurement results are highlighted by LEDs and displayed in the eyepiece of the rangefinder optical sight as a four-digit number (in meters).
Rice. 1. American rangefinder AN/GVS-5
The rangefinder transmitter is made on the basis of yttrium-aluminum garnet with an admixture of neodymium. The quality factor of the optical resonator of the laser (its size is comparable to the size of a cigarette filter) is electro-optically modulated using a dye. The detector of the receiver is a silicon avalanche photodiode. The optical part of the rangefinder consists of a transmitting lens and receiving optics, combined with a sight and a device for protecting the observer's organs of vision from laser radiation damage during measurements. The power supply of the rangefinder is carried out from the built-in cadmium-nickel battery. The AN / GVS-5 rangefinder will enter service with US troops in the coming years.
In the UK, several models of rangefinders have been developed.
The company's range finder is intended for use by advanced observers of field artillery, as well as target designation of aviation in solving problems of direct support of ground forces. A feature of this rangefinder is the ability to illuminate the target with a laser beam. The rangefinder can be combined with a night vision device (Fig. 2). The results of measuring angular coordinates when working with a rangefinder depend on the accuracy of the scales of the goniometric platform on which it is installed.
Rice. 2. English rangefinder from Ferranti, combined with a night vision device
The rangefinder transmitter is made on the basis of yttrium-aluminum garnet with an admixture of neodymium. The quality factor of the optical resonator is electro-optically modulated using a Pockels cell. The laser transmitter is water-cooled for operation in target designation mode with a high pulse repetition rate. In the range measurement mode, the pulse repetition rate can be changed depending on the operating conditions and the requirements for the rate of issuing target coordinates. A photodiode is used as a receiver detector.
The rangefinder equipment allows you to measure the distances to three targets located in the laser beam alignment (the distance difference between them is about 100 m). The measurement results are stored in the memory device of the range finder, and the observer can view them sequentially on a digital display. The rangefinder equipment is powered by a 24 V battery.
The Bar and Stroud range finder is portable, it is intended for advanced observers of field artillery, as well as reconnaissance units, in appearance it resembles field glasses (Fig. 3). To accurately read the angular coordinates, it is mounted on a tripod, it can be paired with night vision devices or optical tracking systems for air and ground targets. Admission to the troops is expected in the coming years.
Rice. 3. English portable rangefinder by Bar and Stroud
The rangefinder transmitter is made on the basis of yttrium-aluminum garnet with an admixture of neodymium. The quality factor of the laser optical resonator is modulated using a Pockels cell. A silicon avalanche photodiode is used as a receiver detector. In order to reduce the effect of interference at short ranges, the receiver provides range gating with the measurement of the gain of the video amplifier.
The optical part of the rangefinder consists of a monocular trailer (it also serves to transmit laser radiation) and a receiving lens with a narrow band filter. The rangefinder provides special protection for the observer's eyes from damage by laser radiation during the measurement process.
The range finder works in two modes - charging and range measurement. After turning on the power of the rangefinder and aiming it at the target, the transmitter power button is pressed. As a result of the first pressing of the button, the capacitor of the laser pumping circuit is charged. After a few seconds, the observer presses the button a second time, turning on the transmitter for radiation, and the rangefinder is switched to the range measurement mode. The rangefinder can be in the charging mode for no more than 30 s, after which the pump circuit capacitor is automatically discharged (if it is not switched on to the range measurement mode).
The range to the target is displayed on a digital LED display for 5 s. The rangefinder is powered by a built-in 24 V rechargeable battery, the capacity of which makes it possible to make several hundred range measurements. The entry into the troops of this laser rangefinder is expected in the coming years.
The Netherlands has developed a laser artillery rangefinder LAR, designed for reconnaissance units and field artillery. In addition, Dutch experts believe that it can be adapted for use in naval and coastal artillery. The rangefinder is manufactured in a portable version (Fig. 4), as well as for installation on reconnaissance vehicles. A characteristic feature of the rangefinder is the presence of a built-in electro-optical device for measuring the azimuth and elevation of the target, the accuracy of operation is 2-3 ".
Rice. 4. Dutch rangefinder LAR
The rangefinder transmitter is based on a neodymium glass laser. The quality factor of the optical resonator is modulated by a rotating prism. A photodiode is used as a receiver detector. To protect the observer's eyesight, a special filter is built into the optical sight.
Using the LAR rangefinder, you can measure the distances simultaneously to two targets located in the laser beam and at a distance of at least 30 m from each other. The measurement results are displayed on digital displays in turn (range to the first and second targets, azimuth, elevation) when turned on relevant authorities. The rangefinder is compatible with automated systems artillery fire control, providing information about the coordinates of the target in binary code. The portable rangefinder is powered by a 24 V battery, the capacity of which is sufficient for 150 measurements in summer conditions. When placing a rangefinder on a reconnaissance vehicle, power is supplied from the onboard network.
In Norway, forward field artillery observers use PM81 and LP3 laser rangefinders.
The RM81 rangefinder can be interfaced with automated artillery fire control systems. In this case, information about the range is given automatically in binary code, and the angular coordinates of the targets are read from the goniometer scales (measurement accuracy up to 3 ") and entered into the system manually. For combat work, the range finder is mounted on a special tripod.
The rangefinder transmitter is based on a neodymium laser. The quality factor of the optical resonator is modulated using a rotating prism. The detector of the receiver is a photodiode. The optical sight is combined with a receiving lens; a dichroic mirror is used to protect the observer's eyes from damage by laser radiation, which does not transmit the reflected laser beam.
The range finder provides distance measurement for three targets located in the laser beam range. The influence of interference from local objects is eliminated by strobing the range within 200-3000 m.
The LP3 rangefinder is mass-produced for the Norwegian army and purchased by many capitalist countries. For combat work, it is mounted on a tripod (Fig. 5). The angular coordinates of the target are read from the goniometer scales with an accuracy of about 3", the limits of operation in the elevation angle of the target are ± 20 °, and in azimuth 360 °.
Rice. 5. Norwegian rangefinder LP3
The rangefinder transmitter is made on the basis of a neodymium laser, the Q-switching of the optical resonator is carried out by a rotating prism. A photodiode is used as a receiver detector. Interference from local objects is eliminated by strobing the range within 200-6000 m. Thanks to a special device, the observer's eyes are protected from the damaging effects of laser radiation.
The range board is made on LEDs, it displays in the form of a five-digit number (in meters) the results of measuring distances simultaneously to two targets. The rangefinder is powered by a standard 24 V battery that provides 500-600 range measurements in summer conditions and at least 50 measurements at an ambient temperature of -30°.
In France, there are rangefinders TM-10 and TMV-26. The TM-10 range finder is used by artillery observers of field artillery posts, as well as by topographic units. Its characteristic feature is the presence of a gyrocompass for precise orientation on the ground (referencing accuracy is about ± 30 "). The optical system of the periscope-type range finder. Ranges can be measured simultaneously on two targets. Measurement results, including range and angular coordinates, are read by the observer from the range display and scales goniometer through the eyepiece indicator.
The rangefinder TMV-26 is designed for use in shipboard fire control systems. artillery mounts caliber 100 mm. The rangefinder transceiver is installed on the antenna system of the ship's fire control radar station. The rangefinder transmitter is based on a neodymium laser, and a photodiode is used as a receiver detector.
An optical rangefinder is an optical instrument used to measure distances to objects. According to the principle of operation, rangefinders are divided into two main groups, geometric and physical types. The first group consists of geometric rangefinders. The measurement of distances with a range finder of this type is based on determining the height h of an isosceles triangle ABC (diagram 10), for example, using the known side AB \u003d I (base) and the opposite acute angle .. One of the values, I or., is usually constant, and the other is variable ( measurable). On this basis, rangefinders with a constant angle and rangefinders with a constant base are distinguished. A fixed angle rangefinder is a telescope with two parallel filaments in the field of view, and a portable rail with equidistant divisions serves as the base. The distance to the base measured by the rangefinder is proportional to the number of divisions of the staff visible through the telescope between the threads. Many geodetic instruments (theodolites, levels, etc.) work according to this principle. The relative error of the filament rangefinder is 0.3-1%. More complex optical rangefinders with a fixed base are built on the principle of superimposing images of an object constructed by beams that have passed through various optical systems of the rangefinder. Alignment is performed using an optical compensator located in one of the optical systems, and the measurement result is read on a special scale. Monocular rangefinders with a base of 3-10 cm are widely used as photographic rangefinders. The error of optical rangefinders with a constant base is less than 0.1% of the measured distance. The principle of operation of a physical type rangefinder is to measure the time it takes the signal sent by the rangefinder to travel the distance to an object and back. The ability of electromagnetic radiation to propagate at a constant speed makes it possible to determine the distance to an object. Distinguish pulse and phase methods of distance measurement. With the pulse method, a probing pulse is sent to the object, which starts a time counter in the rangefinder. When the pulse reflected by the object returns to the rangefinder, it stops the counter. Based on the time interval (delay of the reflected pulse), using the built-in microprocessor, the distance to the object is determined: L= ct/2, where: L is the distance to the object, c is the speed of radiation propagation, t is the time it takes the pulse to reach the target and back.
10. The principle of operation of a geometric type rangefinder AB - base, h - measured distance In the phase method, the radiation is modulated according to a sinusoidal law using a modulator (an electro-optical crystal that changes its parameters under the influence of an electrical signal). The reflected radiation enters the photodetector, where the modulating signal is extracted. Depending on the distance to the object, the phase of the reflected signal changes relative to the phase of the signal in the modulator. By measuring the phase difference, the distance to the object is measured. The most common civilian electro-optical ranging devices are portable laser rangefinders, which can measure the distance to any object on the ground, which is in line of sight, with an error of about one meter. The maximum range for determining the distance is individual for each model, usually from several hundred to one and a half thousand meters and strongly depends on the type of object. It is best to measure the distance to large objects with high reflectivity, the worst of all - to small objects that intensely absorb laser radiation. The laser rangefinder can be made in the form of a monocular or binoculars with a magnification of 2 to 7 times. Some manufacturers integrate rangefinders into other optical instruments, such as scopes. In the field of view of the rangefinder is a special mark, which is combined with the object, after which the range is measured, usually by simply pressing a button. The result of the measurement is displayed on the indicator panel located on the body of the device, or reflected in the eyepiece, which allows you to get information about the range without taking your eyes off the rangefinder. Many models can display measurement results in different metric units (meters, feet, yards). Baltic State TechnicalUniversity "VOENMEH" them. D. F. Ustinova
Quantum Artillery RangefinderDAK-2M.
St. Petersburg2002
Point the included rangefinder at people,
Point the rangefinder at specularly reflective surfacesand on surfaces close in reflection to specular,
Point the rangefinder at the sun.
1. The purpose of the work.
The purpose of this work is to study the principles of operation of quantum rangefinder devices, as well as their main components and design features.
2. Introduction.
Along with radar, there are other methods for determining the coordinates of an object. So wide application in practice, optical locators have been obtained that allow determining all three coordinates of an object with high accuracy. The study of the use of optical locators as goniometric devices is beyond the scope of this work; in the future, only the determination of the range will be considered. Methods for determining the range using optoelectronic means can be divided into active, using probing signals, and passive. The latter include stereoscopic rangefinders and image-focusing rangefinders (e.g. dual image rangefinders).
Optical locators, which include this quantum range finder, are characterized by a very high resolution in range and angular coordinates, which is due to a decrease in wavelength by several orders of magnitude compared to radio range devices. In quantum (laser) rangefinders, increasing the operating frequencies allows you to expand the usable frequency band. This makes it possible to form very short (up to tens of nanoseconds) probing pulses. In practice, this makes it possible to obtain a range resolution of the order of 1 meter at a range of several kilometers.
Laser radiation has a high directivity, which simplifies the selection of objects that are approximately in the same angular direction, but at significantly different ranges, and allows you to eliminate the errors associated with this.
3. The purpose of the rangefinder.
Artillery quantum rangefinder DAK-2M with a target selection device is designed for:
range measurements to moving and stationary targets, local objects and shell explosions;
ground artillery fire adjustments;
conducting visual reconnaissance of the area;
measurements of horizontal and vertical angles of targets;
topographic and geodetic binding of elements of artillery combat formations with the help of other topographic and geodetic devices.
The DAK-2M rangefinder can be included in the artillery fire control complex as a reconnaissance and surveillance device, and can also be interfaced with the complex's computing devices.
The range finder provides distance measurement to targets such as a tank, a car with a probability of reliable measurement of 0.9 (in the absence of foreign objects in the beam alignment).
4. Tactical and technical data.
Maximum measurable range for tank-car targets, m 9000
Pointing angle range:
range of vertical pointing angles ±4-50
range of horizontal pointing angles ±30
3. Measurement accuracy of target parameters:
number of targets recorded on the target counter indicator 3
maximum range measurement error, m<6
range resolution, m 3
measurement accuracy of angular coordinates in both planes ±00-01
4. Optical characteristics of the receiver channel:
entrance pupil diameter, mm 96
3" field of view
The creation of laser pulse rangefinders was one of the first applications of lasers in military technology. Measuring the range to the target is a typical task of artillery firing, which has long been solved by optical means, but with insufficient accuracy, and required bulky instruments and highly qualified and trained personnel. Radar made it possible to measure the range to targets by measuring the delay time of the radio pulse reflected from the target. The principle of operation of quantum rangefinders is based on measuring the time of passage of a light signal to a target and back, and is as follows: a powerful short-duration radiation pulse generated by an optical quantum generator (OCG) of the rangefinder is formed by the optical system and directed to the target, the range to which must be measured. The radiation pulse reflected from the target, having passed the optical system, falls on the rangefinder photodetector. The moment of radiation of the probing and the moments of receipt of the reflected signals are recorded by the trigger unit (BZ) and the photodetector (FPU), which generate electrical signals to start and stop the time interval meter (IVI). IVI measures the time interval between the leading edges of the emitted and reflected pulses. The range to the target is proportional to this interval and is determined by the formula, where is the range to the target, m; - speed of light in the atmosphere, m/s; - measured time interval, s.
The measurement result in meters is displayed on a digital indicator in the field of view of the left eyepiece of the rangefinder. To create an optical analog of a radar, only a powerful pulsed light source with a good beam directivity was lacking. The Q-switched solid-state laser was an excellent solution to this problem. The first Soviet laser rangefinders were developed in the mid-1960s by defense industry enterprises that had vast experience in creating optical instruments. Research Institute "Pole" at that time was still being formed. The first work of the institute in this direction was the development of a ruby element 5.5 x 75 for a laser rangefinder created by TsNIIAG. The development was successfully completed in 1970 with the creation of such an element with customer acceptance. Department of the Institute, headed by V.M. Krivtsun, in the same years he developed ruby lasers for space trajectory measurements and optical location of the Moon. A large backlog was accumulated in the creation of solid-state lasers for field use and their docking with the customer's equipment. Using our laser, the Research Institute of Space Instrumentation (Director - L.I. Gusev, Chief Designer of the complex - V.D. Shargorodsky) carried out successful optical location of Lunokhods delivered by Soviet spacecraft to the surface of the Moon in 1972-73. At the same time, the location of Lunokhods on the Moon was also determined by scanning a laser beam. In the 70s, these works were continued by the development of a neodymium garnet location laser (Kandela, Chief Designer G. M. Zverev, leading performers M. B. Zhitkova, V. V. Shulzhenko, V. P. Myznikov). Previously intended for use in aviation, this laser was successfully used to equip and operate for many years a wide network of laser stations for satellite trajectory measurements at Maidanak in the Pamirs, the Far East, the Crimea and Kazakhstan. At present, the 3rd generation of lasers developed at the Polyus Research Institute (I.V. Vasiliev, S.V. Zinoviev, and others) are already operating at these stations. The experience of developing lasers for military use made it possible to start developing laser rangefinders directly at Polyus. The initiative to develop rangefinders at the institute, shown by G.M. Zverev, who in 1970 headed the complex department of the institute for the development of active and nonlinear elements, solid-state lasers and devices based on them, was actively supported by the director M.F. Stelmakh and the industry leadership.
In the early 1970s, the institute was the only one in the country that possessed the technology for growing single crystals and electro-optical switches, which made it possible to create devices of significantly smaller mass and dimensions. Thus, the typical pump energy of a ruby laser for a rangefinder was 200 J, and for a garnet laser only 10 J. The laser pulse duration was also reduced several times, which increased the measurement accuracy. The first development of the device began in the late 60s under the leadership of V.M. Krivtsun. As a layout idea, he chose a scheme with a single lens, using an electro-optical element as a switch between input and output channels. This scheme was similar to that of a radar with an antenna switch. A laser based on a YAG:Nd crystal was chosen, which made it possible to obtain a sufficient output energy of IR radiation (20 mJ). V.M. Krivtsun failed to complete the development of the device, he fell seriously ill and died in 1971. A.G. had to complete the development. Ershov, who previously developed tunable lasers for scientific research. The optical scheme had to be changed to a classic one with separate transmitter and receiver lenses, since the combined scheme could not cope with the illumination of the photodetector by a powerful transmitter pulse. Successful full-scale tests of the first R&D sample of the Contrast-2 device took place in June 1971. The Military Topographical Administration acted as the customer for the R&D of the country's first laser rangefinder. The development was completed in a very short time. Already in 1974, the quantum topographic rangefinder KTD-1 (Fig. 1.2.1) was accepted for supply and transferred to serial production at the Tantal plant in Saratov.
Rice. 1.2.1
With this development, the talent of the Chief Designer A.G. was fully manifested. Ershov, who managed to correctly choose the main technical solutions of the device, organize the development of its blocks and assemblies, new functional elements by adjacent departments. The device had a range of up to 20 km with an error of less than 1.7 m. The KTD-1 range finder was mass-produced for many years in Saratov, as well as at the VTU plant in Moscow. For the period 1974 - 1980. the troops received more than 1000 such devices. They have been successfully used in solving many problems of military and civil topography. A number of new elements would be developed at the institute for laser rangefinders. In materials science departments under the leadership of V.M. Garmash and V.P. Klyuev, high-quality active elements were created from yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium aluminate with neodymium. N.B. Angert, V.A. Pashkov and A.M. Onishchenko created electro-optical shutters made of lithium niobate, which have no analogues in the world. In the division of P.A. Tsetlin created passive dye shutters. On this elemental base, E.M. Shvom and N.S. Ustimenko developed small-sized laser emitters ILTI-201 and IZ-60 for small-sized rangefinders. At the same time, promising photodetectors based on a germanium avalanche photodiode were developed in the department of A.V. Ievsky V.A. Afanasiev and M.M. Zemlyanov. The first small-sized (in the form of binoculars) laser rangefinder LDI-3 (Fig. 1.2.2) was tested at the test site in 1977, and in 1980. State tests were successfully carried out.
Rice. 1.2.2
The device was mastered serially at the Ulyanovsk Radiotube Plant. In 1982, State comparative tests of the LDI-3 device and the 1D13 device, developed by the Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant by order of the Moscow Region, were carried out. For a number of reasons, the commission tried to give preference to the KOMZ device, however, the impeccable operation of the rangefinder of the Polyus Research Institute during the tests led to the fact that both devices were recommended for acceptance for supply and mass production: 1D13 for the ground forces and LDI-3 for the Navy. In just 10 years, several thousand LDI-3 devices and its further modification LDI-3-1 were put into production. In the late 80s, A.G. Ershov developed the latest version of the rangefinder-binoculars LDI-3-1M with a mass of less than 1.3 kg. It turned out to be the last work of the talented Chief Designer, who passed away early in 1989.
The line of developments for WTU, started by KTD-1, was continued with new devices. As a result of creative cooperation between the Polyus Research Institute and the 29th Scientific Research Institute of the Military and Technical Cooperation, a rangefinder was created - the gyrotheodolite DGT-1 ("Captain"), which measures distances to objects on the ground with an error of less than 1 m and angular coordinates - more precisely 20 arcsec. In 1986, a laser rangefinder KTD-2-2 was developed and accepted for supply - a nozzle on theodolite (Fig. 1.2.3).
Rice. 1.2.3
In the 1970s, fundamentally new quantum rangefinders (DAK-1, DAK-2, 1D5, etc.) entered service. They made it possible to determine the coordinates of objects (targets) and shell explosions in a short time with high accuracy. To be convinced of the superiority of their characteristics, it is enough to compare the median errors in measuring the range: DS-1 - 1.5 percent. (with an observation range of up to 3 km), DAK - 10 m (regardless of range). The use of range finders made it possible to significantly reduce the detection time of targets, increase the likelihood of their opening day and night, and thereby increase the effectiveness of artillery fire. Artillery quantum rangefinders are one of the main means of reconnaissance in artillery units. In addition to the main purpose - range measurement, quantum rangefinders allow solving the tasks of conducting visual reconnaissance of the terrain and the enemy, correcting fire, measuring horizontal and vertical angles, topographic and geodetic binding of elements of the battle formations of artillery units. In addition, the 1D15 laser rangefinder-designator makes it possible to illuminate targets with laser radiation with semi-active guidance when performing fire missions with high-precision munitions with homing heads. Currently, the following types of quantum rangefinders are in service: , artillery quantum rangefinder DAK-2 (1D11) and its modifications DAK-2M-1 (1D11M-1) and DAK-2M-2 (1D11M-2), laser reconnaissance device LPR-1 (1D13), rangefinder-designator 1D15.
