AN/PEQ-1 SOFLAM

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AN/PEQ-1 SOFLAM (GLTD)
Special Operations Forces Laser Marker (SOFLAM) - Flickr - The Central Intelligence Agency.jpg
AN/PEQ-1A SOFLAM
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used by United States Armed Forces
Wars War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Production history
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
VariantsAN/PEQ-1 [1]
AN/PEQ-1A [2]
AN/PEQ-1B GLTD II
AN/PEQ-1C GLTD III [3]
General Specifications
Dimensions (L×H×W)11.2  in × 13.2 in × 5.2 in (28  cm × 34 cm × 13 cm)
Weight11.3  lb (5.13  kg)
Additional featuresTripod
Viewer Specifications
Viewer FoV4.4°Hx5°V
Zoom10x
Target Designator Specifications
Target Designator Output (mw)80 mJ
Target Designator Divergence (mrad)0.3 mrad
Target Designator Wavelength (nm)1064 nm Nd-YAG
Target Designator Range (km)>10km
Laser Rangefinder Specifications
Rangefinder Output (mw)80 mJ
Rangefinder Divergence (mrad)0.3 mrad
Rangefinder Wavelength (nm)1064 nm Nd-YAG
Rangefinder Range (km)~20km [4]
Rangefinder Accuracy (m)35m


The AN/PEQ-1 also known as a Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (SOFLAM or SOF-LAM) or the Ground Laser Target Designator (GLTD) is a U.S. military laser designator designed for use by special operations forces (SOF), including Combat Control Teams (CCT), Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC), and Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP), under rugged field conditions. [4] [5] [6] Using the SOFLAM, soldiers can mark targets for close air support and artillery; in combination with GPS systems it can also generate coordinates for precision guided munitions. With the SOFLAM and other target designators, support fires can be called in extremely close to friendly forces while avoiding friendly fire. [7]

Contents

History

USAF Tactical Air Control Party operators using a SOFLAM during training at Aviano Air Base, Italy in 2012 USAF TACP, operating a SOFLAM.jpg
USAF Tactical Air Control Party operators using a SOFLAM during training at Aviano Air Base, Italy in 2012

The AN/PEQ-1 was first used in combat in the War in Afghanistan, then later in the Iraq War. Close air support called in via SOFLAM by SOF like the "Horse Soldiers" from 5th Special Forces ODAs, embedded CIA officers, and other forces, contributed heavily to US and allied victories during the invasion of Afghanistan. It was used during the capture of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capture of Bagram Airfield, and the Fall of Kandahar, among many other engagements. [8] [9] [7] [10]

Some complaints were made about its weight and power consumption which necessitated bringing multiple replacement batteries. In its earlier configurations, the AN/PEQ-1 did not have a laser rangefinder nor could it interface directly with GPS devices. [6] Both the laser rangefinder and GPS interface capabilities were added with later versions. [7]

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References

  1. ↑ "Joint Pub 3-09.1 Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Laser Designation Operations" (PDF). Berlin Information Center for Transatlantic Security (BITS). Joint Chiefs of Staff. 28 May 1999. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 February 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  2. ↑ Night Warrior Handbook A Guide to Individual Training for Night Combat in the Infantry Company Book 1 (PDF) (3rd ed.). 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. January 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "Assessment for the Safe Use of Lasers: Pabarade Range, Lithuania" (PDF). Air Force Research Laboratory. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  4. 1 2 "SOFLAM PEQ-1C" (PDF). Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  5. ↑ Steele, Greg (25 August 2010). "Pacific Thunder 2010". US Air Force. 917th Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  6. 1 2 Erwin, Sandra I. (1 February 2003). "Air-Strike Coordinators Need Lighter Equipment". National Defense. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 Gresham, John D. (27 May 2010). "Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (SOFLAM) PEQ-1C". Defense Media Network. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  8. ↑ "Artifacts Special Operations Forces Laser Marker (SOFLAM)". CIA . Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  9. ↑ Jones, Seth G. (2008). Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan (PDF). Vol. 4. Santa Monica: RAND National Defense Research Institute. pp. 97, 121. ISBN   978-0833041333. OCLC   259716159. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  10. ↑ Knarr Jr., William M.; Frost, John (December 2010). "Operation Enduring Freedom Battle Reconstruction: Battle Site Survey and Ground Force Data Reconciliation (Revised) D-4223". Institute for Defense Analyses. pp. III-18, V-16 to V-23. Archived from the original on 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.


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