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
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Power on the pod and switch to A/G (air-to-ground) master mode.
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Set TDC priority to the FLIR display to control the pod.
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Slew the pod onto the target area and designate the target using TDC depress.
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Use Auto Track or Area Track to maintain lock.
2. Enable Manual Lasing
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Press the TRIG option on the FLIR page so it is boxed (this enables manual trigger lasing).
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Ensure the display shows L ARM indicating the laser is armed.
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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
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Release the trigger to stop firing.
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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
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On the FLIR page, press the UFC option to bring up the laser code interface.
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Select the LSTC (Laser Spot Track Code) option.
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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
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On the FLIR page, select LST to begin spot search mode.
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Slew the pod over the expected target area.
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Press and hold TDC depress to begin the laser search.
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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:
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Lase from <8 nm for reliable guidance.
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Keep the target centered in the pod — do not let it drift or break lock.
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Start lasing ~8–10 seconds before impact unless using AUTO mode.
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Communicate clearly: e.g., “Laser on now,” or “Lasing in 5 seconds.”
If You’re the Bomb Dropper:
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Ensure laser code matches between GBU and LST settings.
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Wait for LST to lock before release if possible.
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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 |