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.