AT-FLIR All about the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR. Lasing Designating Indentification 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. 🔍 What the ATFLIR Can Do Capability Description FLIR + TV Imaging IR (thermal) and EO (TV) modes Zoom 2 zoom levels + 3 fields of view (WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW) Laser Designation LTD/R for guiding laser-guided munitions Laser Spot Tracking (LST) Track another unit’s laser spot for buddy lasing Coordinate Generation For JDAMs and JSOWs Tracking Modes Area track, point/auto track, INR (Inertial Hold) 🔭 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: FOV Description Zoom Level Support WIDE Broad view, large area scanning Only Zoom Level 1 MEDIUM Moderate zoom for ID and tracking Zoom Levels 1 and 2 NARROW High magnification, precise tracking Zoom Levels 1 and 2 You switch FOV using the RAID/FLIR button. Zoom level is toggled using radar elevation while the FLIR page is SOI. 🖥️ Sensor Imaging Modes Mode Use Case IR (FLIR) Best for night ops or thermal contrast TV (EO) Best in daylight or clear weather BH/WH Toggle black-hot/white-hot in IR mode for contrast preference Use the IR/TV OSB to switch modes. IR is the default when the pod powers on. 🎯 Compatible Ordnance ATFLIR is required or strongly recommended for these weapons: Weapon Type Notes GBU-12/16/10 Laser-guided bombs Requires laser designation (LTD/R) AGM-65E Laser Maverick Requires buddy or self-lasing AGM-65F IR Maverick Use FLIR to identify and lock before handoff AGM-154A/B/C (JSOW) GPS glide bomb Use pod to generate precision coordinates JDAM (GBU-38/32/31) GPS bomb Same as above — designate or manually enter coordinates 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. 🎛️ Pod Controls Summary Function How to Use TDC Slew Move the pod crosshairs TDC Press Designate, change zoom level SCS Toward FLIR DDI Give pod TDC priority LTD/R Boxed Arms the laser designator TRIG Boxed Enables manual lasing (requires trigger press) LST Enables search for buddy laser UFC → LSTC / LTD/R Code Set or change laser codes ⚠️ 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. 🧾 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. 🔍 Laser System Overview Feature Description Laser Type Coded infrared (invisible to human eye) Designation Laser LTD/R (Laser Target Designator/Rangefinder) Tracking Mode LST (Laser Spot Tracker) Effective Range ~8–10 nautical miles (best under 6 nm) Beam Width ~0.25° (~450 ft at 10 nm) Laser Codes 4-digit NATO-standard codes (e.g., 1688) Lasing Modes Manual (TRIG boxed) or Automatic (TRIG unboxed) 🔦 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. 🔎 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. 🔢 Common Laser Codes & Usage Code Use Case 1688 Default JTAC and multiplayer buddy lasing code 1687 Often used by Hornet buddy-lasing pairs 1511–1788 NATO/US standard codes (safe for most LGBs) 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). 🧠 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. 🧪 Troubleshooting Guide Problem Fix Bombs miss target Check for correct code match and lasing timing LST not acquiring spot Fly closer, ensure proper pod slewing, verify laser is active Laser won’t fire Make sure TRIG is boxed, laser is armed, and second detent used Laser blocked Clouds, smoke, or terrain may interrupt — adjust position or altitude 🧾 Quick Buddy Lasing Checklist Step Laser Provider Bomb Dropper 1. Power ATFLIR & switch to A/G Same 2. Designate target with TDC Slew to target area 3. Box TRIG Set correct LST code 4. Press and hold trigger to fire laser Engage LST and press TDC depress 5. Maintain track on target Release GBU when tracking is solid 6. Stop lasing after impact Confirm hit and break off