A/G armament

• AT-FLIR
• AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR – Targeting Pod Basics
• Buddy Lasing using the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR
• GBU-12/16/10
• Paveway II – GBU-12/16/10 Overview
• Using Paveway II Bombs (GBU-10/12/16) with the ATFLIR

AT-FLIR

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

GBU-12/16/10

Paveway II – GBU-12/16/10 Overview

The Paveway II family of Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) are precision strike weapons that guide onto a coded infrared laser spot, typically designated by the launching aircraft, a wingman (buddy lasing), or a JTAC.

They’re ideal for stationary or slow-moving targets in clear weather, especially when collateral damage must be minimized.

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🧱 Bomb Breakdown

Each LGB consists of:

• A Mk 8x series bomb body

• A laser seeker head

• A guidance computer

• A maneuvering tail kit

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🎯 Guidance Principles

• Seeks reflected laser energy from a specific 4-digit laser code (e.g., 1688)

• Can only guide when laser is active and visible to seeker

• No GPS – loses guidance if the laser is blocked or turned off

• Best for direct line-of-sight attacks in clear weather

• Cannot guide behind mountains, through clouds, or if laser is obstructed

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📏 Range & Employment Envelope

Higher altitude = greater standoff, but increased exposure to SAMs.

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🧠 Best Use Cases

• Static SAM sites

• Buildings, bunkers

• Vehicles and convoys (stationary or slow)

• Bridges, radars

• Situations requiring surgical precision or minimum collateral damage

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⚠️ Limitations

• Must maintain line of sight to target during guidance

• Weather and terrain can break the laser

• Laser code must match between seeker and designator

• Not fire-and-forget — pilot or buddy must continuously lase

Using Paveway II Bombs (GBU-10/12/16) with the ATFLIR

With the ATFLIR pod, the F/A-18C can independently find, designate, and guide laser-guided bombs with precision. Here’s how to use the Paveway II series step-by-step in DCS.

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✅ Loadout Prep

• Equip the desired LGB(s) and the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pod

• Ensure your laser code (default: 1688) matches what’s set on the bomb(s)

You can set laser codes in the rearming menu or use the Ground Crew > Rearm&Refuel > Laser Code option in the comms menu.

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🧰 Cockpit Setup

1. Master Arm: ON

2. A/G Master Mode

3. FLIR: ON

   • Select FLIR page on the DDI

   • Ensure ATFLIR is warmed up and functioning

4. Laser: ARM

   • On the FLIR page, box LTD/R (arms the laser designator)

   • Box TRIG to enable manual lasing (if wanted)

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🖥️ FLIR Targeting

1. Use the Sensor Control Switch (SCS) to give the FLIR page TDC priority.

2. Slew the targeting pod onto the target using the TDC.

3. Press TDC depress to designate the target.

4. Pod should enter AUTO (point track) if on a valid target.

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🎯 Manual vs. Auto Lasing

For most cases, auto lasing is safer and reduces pilot workload. Use manual lasing when timing is critical or when buddy lasing.

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🚀 Bomb Release

1. Switch to AUTO release mode by unboxing TRIG (recommended).

2. Fly the steering line until the release cue appears.

3. Weapon releases when you hold the pickle button over the drop line.

4. Maintain line of sight to the target until impact.

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✅ Successful Hit Checklist

• LTD/R boxed

• TRIG boxed (if using manual lasing)

• Laser code matches bomb

• TGT designated in FLIR

• Laser is fired on time

• Line of sight is maintained until impact

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🧪 Tips & Notes

• Stay above 6,000 ft AGL for safe lasing distance.

• Lase 8–10 seconds before impact in manual mode.

• Use NARROW FOV and Zoom Level 2 for precision.

• Switch to IR mode at night or in poor lighting.