AT-FLIR

• AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR – Targeting Pod Basics
• Buddy Lasing using the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR

AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR – Targeting Pod Basics

The AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR is the Hornet’s primary targeting pod in DCS World. It provides infrared and electro-optical imaging, laser designation, laser spot tracking, and precision coordinate generation. Mounted on the left cheek station, the pod is essential for precision-strike missions and is especially useful in night ops, low visibility, and beyond visual range (BVR) targeting.

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🔍 What the ATFLIR Can Do

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🔭 Zoom Levels and Field of View

ATFLIR has two zoom levels and three fields of view (FOV), but zoom behavior depends on the FOV setting:

• You switch FOV using the RAID/FLIR button.

• Zoom level is toggled using radar elevation while the FLIR page is SOI.
  

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🖥️ Sensor Imaging Modes

Use the IR/TV OSB to switch modes. IR is the default when the pod powers on.

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🎯 Compatible Ordnance

ATFLIR is required or strongly recommended for these weapons:

While JDAMs/JSOWs do not require the pod to guide during flight, the pod is essential for finding, designating, and accurately feeding targets to these weapons.

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🎛️ Pod Controls Summary

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⚠️ Limitations and Tips

• Laser has effective range of ~8–10 nm but accuracy drops beyond 6 nm.

• Clouds, dust, smoke, and terrain can block the laser or FLIR image.

• Maintain good aircraft trim when slewing the pod — sudden rolls or Gs can break lock.

• Use Area Track for static targets and Auto Track for movers or exact aimpoints.

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🧾 Final Notes

The ATFLIR is a vital part of the Hornet’s CAS and strike toolbox. It’s not just for lasing — it’s your long-range eyes, your night vision, and your precision coordinator for standoff weapons like JSOWs and JDAMs. Mastering pod control will drastically improve your lethality and flexibility in multi-role operations.

Buddy Lasing using the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR

In coordinated strike missions, buddy lasing allows one aircraft to guide a laser-guided bomb (LGB) onto a target for another. Using the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod, the F/A-18C can either manually lase a target or track another aircraft’s laser via Laser Spot Tracker (LST) mode.

Whether you’re supporting a wingman, working with a JTAC, or performing multi-axis attacks, buddy lasing adds tactical flexibility to your mission planning.

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🔍 Laser System Overview

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🔦 How to Manually Lase for a Buddy

If you're the one providing the laser designation, follow these steps:

1. Setup the ATFLIR Pod

• Power on the pod and switch to A/G (air-to-ground) master mode.

• Set TDC priority to the FLIR display to control the pod.

• Slew the pod onto the target area and designate the target using TDC depress.

• Use Auto Track or Area Track to maintain lock.

2. Enable Manual Lasing

• Press the TRIG option on the FLIR page so it is boxed (this enables manual trigger lasing).

• Ensure the display shows L ARM indicating the laser is armed.

• Press and hold the gun trigger (second detent) to fire the laser. You’ll be manually designating as long as the trigger is held.

3. End Lasing

• Release the trigger to stop firing.

• Optionally, use the Undesignate (NWS) button to clear the target designation.

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🔎 How to Track Someone Else's Laser (LST Mode)

If you're dropping the bomb and someone else is lasing, use LST mode to acquire their laser spot.

1. Enter LST Code

• On the FLIR page, press the UFC option to bring up the laser code interface.

• Select the LSTC (Laser Spot Track Code) option.

• Enter the desired 4-digit code (e.g., 1688) using the keypad and press ENTER.

Make sure the bomb’s laser code (set in mission editor or rearming menu) matches this.

2. Enable LST Mode

• On the FLIR page, select LST to begin spot search mode.

• Slew the pod over the expected target area.

• Press and hold TDC depress to begin the laser search.

• Once the pod detects the correct coded laser, it will snap to the spot and begin tracking.

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🔢 Common Laser Codes & Usage

Only one aircraft or JTAC should lase on a given code at a time to avoid “code fratricide” (two lasers on the same code causing confusion).

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🧠 Tactical Tips

If You’re the Laser Provider:

• Lase from <8 nm for reliable guidance.

• Keep the target centered in the pod — do not let it drift or break lock.

• Start lasing ~8–10 seconds before impact unless using AUTO mode.

• Communicate clearly: e.g., “Laser on now,” or “Lasing in 5 seconds.”

If You’re the Bomb Dropper:

• Ensure laser code matches between GBU and LST settings.

• Wait for LST to lock before release if possible.

• Use AUTO or CCIP release modes depending on target type and angle.

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🧪 Troubleshooting Guide

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🧾 Quick Buddy Lasing Checklist