AN/PEQ-16

Last updated

MIPIM AN/PEQ-16
AN PEQ-16.jpg
The MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16) that can be mounted to a firearm.
Function(s)Infrared Target Laser & Illuminator
Service history
In service2012 –
Used by
Wars GWOT
Russo-Ukraine War
Production history
Designer Insight Technology
Manufacturer L3Harris
NSN
  • 5855-01-577-7174 (tan)
  • 5855-01-534-5931 (black)
Unit cost~$2,000 USD
VariantsMIPIM AN/PEQ-16
General Specifications
Dimensions (L×H×W)100 mm (4.1 in) x 81 mm (3.2 in) x 43 mm (1.7 in)
Weight281 g (9.9 oz)
IR Laser Specifications
IR Laser ClassIIIR (Low), IIIB (High)
IR Laser Output (mw)Low: 0.6 mW
High: 25 mW
IR Laser Divergence (mrad)0.5  mrad
IR Laser Wavelength (nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
Visible Laser Specifications
Visible Laser ClassIIIB
Visible Laser Output (mw)4.0 mW
Visible Laser Divergence (mrad)0.5  mrad
Visible Laser Wavelength (nm)(635 ± 30 nm)
Visible Laser Range (m)>25 m (82 ft) in direct sun
IR Illuminator Specifications
IR Illuminator ClassIIIB
IR Illuminator Output (mw)Low: 3.5 mW
High: 30 mW
IR Illuminator Divergence (mrad)1–105  mrad (Adjustable lens)
IR Illuminator Wavelength (nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
IR Illuminator Range (m)Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
Visible Flashlight Specifications
Visible Light Output (lumens)125

The Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) or AN/PEQ-16 manufactured by Insight/L3Harris is the successor to the AN/PEQ-15 which is the most widely used IR Laser Aiming Module (LAM) in the world. [1]

Contents

The MIPIM is designated using the Joint Electronics Type Designation System, and designated as: AN = Army/Navy. P = Portable. E = Laser. Q = Special or Combination. [2]

The AN/PEQ-16 was introduced to the market in 2009, [3] where it began to replace the AN/PEQ-15 on US Marine Corps small arms. The PEQ-16 is a slightly different form-factor to the PEQ-15, being shorter, but larger overall. The most notable adopter of the AN/PEQ-16 as the standard infantry LAM was the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with the initial introduction of the M27 IAR to replace all M249 SAWs in USMC service, and then in 2017 the decision by the USMC Commandant for all Marine infantryman to field the M27. [4]

Design and Development

Initial variants of the AN/PEQ-16 were designated 'alpha' with an A suffix, these initial devices were manufactured with an incandescent bulb for the white-light illuminator, while the newer B 'bravo' model uses a white-light LED.

Currently issued in the USMC, the AN/PEQ-16B helps to consolidate the number of attachments on the hand guards of infantry weapons, including the visible, and infrared lasers, an infrared illuminator, and a white-light illuminator for urban or dark environments where night vision devices may be impractical or not available. The PEQ-16 can be operated via a separate pressure pad or an integrated button pad. The PEQ-16 combines the functions of the previous PEQ-15 with a visible white-light illuminator. [1]

The PEQ-16 shares a number of features with the PEQ-15 including: waterproof polymer construction, integrated thumbscrew mount, providing a strong and repeatable lockup on M1913 (Picatinny) rails; a similar top-mounted mode selection dial. The PEQ-16 has a number of different modes of operation, including: IR Laser, IR Illuminator, Visible Laser, Visible Light. The lasers and illuminator are co-aligned and assembled into a single rotary module allowing single adjustment zeroing, with the ability to change the size of the IR Illuminator beam. The Visible light is located on the opposite side to the laser module, but cannot be activated with the laser in order to prevent white light discharge, and pollution.

As part of the M27 IAR rollout in 2011, a number of standard accessories were chosen to be included with every M27, including an AN/PEQ-16 to allow for improved night and day operations.

Operation

US Marine attaches bayonet to his M27 IAR with a AN/PEQ-16 attached. Marines kick off Exercise Koolendong 16 in Australia 160810-M-LV138-910.jpg
US Marine attaches bayonet to his M27 IAR with a AN/PEQ-16 attached.
Australian Army dog handler with a AN/PEQ-16 attached to his rifle. 3 CER dog handler during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.jpg
Australian Army dog handler with a AN/PEQ-16 attached to his rifle.

The AN/PEQ-16 is operated using a main mode selector dial located on the top of the unit, with 9 options, each mode corresponds to a single, or a dual combination of functions, these modes are detailed in the table below. Once the mode has been selected, the activation of the pressure pad activates the function selected. The unit has an inbuilt switch, but it also has a remote cable switch socket to allow for a remote pressure pad to be located elsewhere on the rifle.

DIAL POSITIONMODEDESCRIPTION [5]
AAIMVisible Aim Laser ON
LLIGHTWhite light Illuminator ON
DDUALVisible aim laser & White Light Illuminator ON
OOFFPrevents inadvertent laser burst
PProgramSets the desired IR pulse rate
ALAIM LOWIR Aiming Laser set to LOW
DLDUAL LOWIR Aiming Laser and Illuminator set to LOW
AHAIM HIGHIR Aiming Laser set to HIGH
DHDUAL HIGHIR Aiming Laser and IR Illuminator set to HIGH

Comparative Specifications

The table below show the specification of the AN/PEQ-16 (right) compared with the AN/PEQ-15.

AN/PEQ-15 AN/PEQ-16
Manufacturer L3Harris L3Harris
Dimensions117 × 71 × 41 mm / 4.6" × 2.8" × 1.6" (L×W×H)104 × 81 × 43 mm / 4.1" × 3.2" × 1.7" (L×W×H)
Weight213 g (7.5 oz) w/ battery281 g (9.9 oz) w/ battery
Power1× CR123A 3-Volt battery2× CR123A 3-Volt batteries
Battery Life>6 hours (in Dual High DH setting)4 hours Normal operation

(≥ 30 mins of continuous white light use)

Waterproof6 m (20 ft) for 1 hour6 m (20 ft) for 1 hour
Visible Laser
ClassIIIRIIIR
Output5.0 mW4.0 mW
Divergence0.5 mrad0.5 mrad
WavelengthRed (635 ± 15 nm)Red (635 ± 30 nm)
RangeDay: >25 m (82 ft) [lower-alpha 1] Day: >25 m (82 ft)
IR Laser
ClassIIIR (Low), IIIB (High)IIIR (Low), IIIB (High)
OutputLow: 0.7 mW

High: 27.5 mW

Low: 0.6 mW

High: 25 mW

Divergence0.5 mrad0.5 mrad
Wavelength(835 ± 15 nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
RangeLow: >600 m (1,969 ft)

High:2,000 m (6,562 ft)

Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)

High:2,000 m (6,562 ft)

IR Illuminator
ClassIIIBIIIB
OutputLow: 3.5 mW

High: 45 mW [7]

Low: 3.5 mW

High: 30 mW

Divergence1—105 mrad (Adjustable lens)1—105 mrad (Adjustable lens)
Wavelength(835 ± 15 nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
RangeLow: >600 m (1,969 ft)

High:2,000 m (6,562 ft)

Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)

High:2,000 m (6,562 ft)

White Light Illuminator
Output PowerNone>125 lumens
TypeLED
  1. Not in direct sunlight [6]

Operators

Current Operators

Availability

As with most military technology and accessories produced in the U.S. infrared laser including the PEQ-16 is controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and as such export is restricted without approval from the Department of State. Furthermore as an IR laser pointer of class IIIB, under FDA regulations, sales of the PEQ-16 are generally restricted to government and law enforcement agencies and units. [10] [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Optical mouse</span> Type of computer mouse

An optical mouse is a computer mouse which uses a miniature camera and digital image processing to detect movement relative to a surface. Variations of the optical mouse have largely replaced the older mechanical mouse and its need for frequent cleaning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Night-vision device</span> Device that allows visualization of images in levels of light approaching total darkness

A night-vision device (NVD), also known as a night optical/observation device (NOD) or night-vision goggle (NVG), is an optoelectronic device that allows visualization of images in low levels of light, improving the user's night vision. The device enhances ambient visible light and converts near-infrared light into visible light which can be seen by the user; this is known as I2 (image intensification). By comparison, viewing of infrared thermal radiation is referred to as thermal imaging and operates in a different section of the infrared spectrum. A night vision device usually consists of an image intensifier tube, a protective housing, and may have some type of mounting system. Many NVDs also include a protective sacrificial lens, mounted over the front lens (ie. objective lens) on NVDs to protect the latter from damage by environmental hazards, and some can incorporate telescopic lenses. The image produced by an NVD is typically monochrome green, as green was considered to be the easiest color to look at for prolonged periods in the dark. Night vision devices may be passive, relying solely on ambient light, or may be active, using an IR (infrared) illuminator to visualize the environment better.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M4 carbine</span> American assault rifle

The M4 carbine is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine developed in the United States during the 1980s. It is a shortened version of the M16A2 assault rifle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight</span> American series of telescopic sights manufactured by Trijicon

The Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) is a series of prismatic telescopic sights manufactured by Trijicon. The ACOG was originally designed to be used on the M16 rifle and M4 carbine, but Trijicon has also developed ACOG accessories for other firearms. Models provide fixed-power magnification levels from 1.25× to 6×. ACOG reticles are illuminated at night by an internal tritium phosphor. Some versions have an additional daytime reticle illumination via a passive external fiberoptic light pipe or are LED-illuminated using a dry battery. The first ACOG model, known as the TA01, was released in 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle</span> Designated marksman rifle

The Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle developed and used by the United States Marine Corps. It gave users the capability to provide fire in support of a rifle squad, providing precision fire in support of an assault, and aid in observation and adjusting of supporting arms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AN/PEQ-2</span> US military laser sight

The AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Light (ITPIAL) is a laser sight for use on rifles fitted with a Picatinny rail. It was manufactured by Insight Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AN/PEQ-6</span>

The AN/PEQ-6 Integrated Laser Light Module (ILLM) is a laser aiming module (LAM) designed and manufactured by Insight Technology for use by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with the Heckler & Koch Mark 23 semi-automatic pistol and a Knight's Armament Company suppressor; the whole system is designated the Mk 23 Mod 0 Offensive Handgun Weapon System.

The Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) kit is an accessory system for the M4A1 carbine, CQBR, FN SCAR Mk 16/17, HK416 and other weapons used by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) special forces units, though it is not specific to SOCOM. The kit allows US Special Operations Forces personnel to configure their weapons to individual preferences and customize for different mission requirements.

The Colt Automatic Rifle or Colt Light Machine Gun is a 5.56 mm NATO, open-bolt, full-automatic-only firearm developed by Colt Defense. It is based on the M16A2/A4, and has a distinctive squared-off handguard, vertical grip, carrying handle and integrated bipod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dazzler (weapon)</span> Non-lethal temporary blindness weapon

A dazzler is a non-lethal weapon which uses intense directed radiation to temporarily disorient its target with flash blindness. They can effectively deter further advances, regardless of language or cultural barriers, but can also be used for hailing and warning. Targets can include electronic sensors as well as human vision.

The AN/PEQ-5, also known as the 'Carbine Visible Laser (CVL)', is a laser sight manufactured by Insight Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insight Technology</span> Optical device manufacturer

Insight Technology, Inc. is an optical device manufacturer based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LLM01</span> Light or laser sight module

The LLM01 is an adaptive target acquisition module made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics GmbH in Stockach, Germany. It is designed to be mounted with a metal integral quick release clamping adapter on the left side of the carry handle adapter of Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifles. It can also be attached to other firearms, such as the Heckler & Koch MP7 submachine gun and L85A2 assault rifle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle</span> American assault rifle

The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is a 5.56mm, select-fire assault rifle, based on the HK416 by Heckler & Koch. It is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and is intended to be issued to all infantry riflemen as well as automatic riflemen. The USMC initially planned to purchase 6,500 M27s to replace a portion of the M249 light machine guns employed by automatic riflemen within Infantry and Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions. Approximately 8,000–10,000 M249s will remain in service with the Marine Corps to be used at the discretion of company commanders. In December 2017, the Marine Corps announced that it would equip every member of an infantry squad with the M27, supplanting the M4 carbine which would be retained at the platoon leadership positions and above.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laser sight (firearms)</span> Laser device used to assist the aiming of a firearm

A laser sight is a device attached or integral to a firearm to aid target acquisition. Unlike optical and iron sights where the user looks through the device to aim at the target, laser sights project a beam onto the target, providing a visual reference point.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AN/PSQ-42</span> Binocular night vision device

The AN/PSQ-42 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) is a third-generation passive binocular night vision device developed for the United States Army by L3Harris. It combines dual tube image-intensifying (I²) and thermal-imaging technologies into a single goggle, enabling vision in low-light conditions. The two methods can be used individually or simultaneously in a fused mode. The ENVG-B is intended to be issued to the dismounted combat arms soldiers within the Army's Brigade combat teams (BCT), and so far over 10,000 have been issued to several BCT's within the 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. The US Marine Corps has also purchased 3,100 ENVG-B units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AN/PEQ-15</span> Multifunction weapon mounted IR laser aiming module

The Advanced Target Pointer / Illuminator / Aiming Light, ATPIALAN/PEQ-15 known colloquially as the "PEQ-15" [] produced by L3Harris ; is a multifunction IR Target Pointer & Illuminator, a.k.a. a Laser Aiming Module (LAM) for use as a rifle attachment, using a picatinny rail mounting system.

References

  1. 1 2 "Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  2. "Joint Electronics Type Designation System", Wikipedia, 27 October 2023, retrieved 12 November 2023
  3. "The AN/PEQ-16A is Coming - Soldier Systems Daily". 10 April 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  4. Pike, Travis (8 September 2022). "Goodbye M16: A Look at the Modern Marine Infantry Rifle M27". www.pewpewtactical.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  5. TC 3–22.9 | Rifle and Carbine (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. 1 May 2016. pp. 3–23 to 3–25.
  6. "PEO Soldier | Portfolio – PM-SMPT – Multifunction Aiming Light (MFAL)" . Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  7. "AN/PEQ-15; ATPIAL Spec Sheet" (PDF). l3harris.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  8. "Australian Army Adopts L-3 Squad Laser Range Finder –". The Firearm Blog. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  9. "New night fighting edge under the Ninox replacement – Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  10. "L3Harris MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16B)". Tactical Night Vision Company. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  11. Health, Center for Devices and Radiological (3 November 2018). "Important Information for Laser Pointer Manufacturers". FDA.