# A/G armament Here you'll learn about all kinds of A/G weapons and sensors. - AT-FLIR - GBUs - A/G radar - AGMs - and more # 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

# GBU-12/16/10 Laser guided amunition (Paveway 2) # 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. --- ## 🧱 Bomb Breakdown

Variant	Warhead	Weight	Based On
GBU-10	Mk-84	2000 lb	High-drag general-purpose bomb
GBU-16	Mk-83	1000 lb	Balanced between punch and weight
GBU-12	Mk-82	500 lb	Lightest, best for CAS or precision strikes

Each LGB consists of: - A **Mk 8x series bomb body** - A **laser seeker head** - A **guidance computer** - A **maneuvering tail kit** --- ## 🎯 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 --- ## 📏 Range & Employment Envelope

Altitude	Release Range (approx.)
20,000 ft	7–8 nm
10,000 ft	3–4 nm
5,000 ft	1.5–2.5 nm

Higher altitude = greater standoff, but increased exposure to SAMs. --- ## 🧠 Best Use Cases - **Static SAM sites** - **Buildings, bunkers** - **Vehicles and convoys (stationary or slow)** - **Bridges, radars** - Situations requiring **surgical precision** or **minimum collateral damage** --- ## ⚠️ 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. --- ## ✅ 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. --- ## 🧰 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) --- ## 🖥️ 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. --- ## 🎯 Manual vs. Auto Lasing

Method	Description
Manual Lasing	TRIG boxed → pilot must hold trigger (second detent) to fire laser
Auto Lasing	TRIG unboxed → aircraft fires laser automatically ~10 sec before impact

For most cases, **auto lasing** is safer and reduces pilot workload. Use **manual lasing** when timing is critical or when buddy lasing. --- ## 🚀 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. --- ## ✅ 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 --- ## 🧪 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.