A laser target designator (LTD) is a crucial component in modern precision-guided weapon systems and advanced optical platforms. It can precisely "real-time mark" a target by emitting encoded laser beams towards it, thereby guiding laser-guided munitions, guidance heads, or surveillance systems to identify and track the target, enabling precise strikes.
At ERDI TECH LTD, the laser target designator is typically deeply integrated with a high-precision laser ranging module, combining remote ranging and target recognition functions. It outputs a wavelength of 1064nm and is suitable for military defense, aerospace, and other fields. This article will systematically introduce the working principle, core components, and important applications of this series of products in the modern military field.
The working principle of a laser target designator
A laser target designator is an instrument that emits a high-energy, narrow-angle laser beam towards a specific target. It is typically composed of a laser source, optical and beam control system, PRF encoding and control electronics, and stabilization and aiming system. When the target is illuminated by the laser, the reflected laser signal can be received by the laser guidance head installed on the missile, bomb, or artillery shell, thereby guiding the weapon to precisely hit the target. Military laser indicators have strict designs in terms of working wavelength, output energy, and design to meet the complex application environments on the battlefield. The basic principle is as follows:
Laser emission: The laser target designator emits high-energy pulses towards the target, with a wavelength typically being 1064nm/1550nm. These pulses are concentrated and powerful, ensuring that they can reach the target location over long distances.
Pulse encoding: The laser pulses use a specific pulse repetition frequency (PRF) encoding. Only weapons or guidance heads with the same PRF encoding can recognize this laser signal, thus laying the foundation for subsequent strikes. For example, ERDI's target indicator has a certain fixed encoding and a configurable encoding, making it convenient for users to use the laser indicator based on their own equipment and weapons.
Target irradiation and reflection: When the laser beam is irradiated onto the target surface, it will reflect back a signal that retains the original encoding information, serving as a marking for the strike.
Guidance and strike: The weapon receives and recognizes the laser-encoded signal reflected back by the target, guiding the strike direction until it hits the target.
The main role of laser target designators in modern military
In general, laser target designator integrate laser ranging and laser indication functions into one, integrated into optical/electro-optical (EO/IR) or pods, and achieve collaborative recognition with visible light, infrared, etc. sensors to lay the foundation for precise strikes. The ERDI 1064nm wavelength series module is like this, using a mature laser system (Nd:YAG laser technology), with 20mJ~160mJ high-energy pulse emission. The same module integrates distance measurement and target indication functions, with indication and ranging performed simultaneously. It is compact in design, lightweight in size, and greatly saves space, making it very suitable for integration into unmanned aircraft, vehicles, etc., providing an integrated solution for system integrators and defense manufacturers.
Conclusion
The laser target designator precisely marks distant targets by emitting high-energy laser beams with codes, providing crucial positional information for precise guidance. It is often integrated with the ranging module in the same system and deeply integrated into modern optoelectronic systems. It plays an important role in complex combat environments.
ERDI will continue to promote technological innovation in the fields of laser and optoelectronics, providing reliable solutions for customers.
If you want to learn about ERDI's laser ranging and laser target designator related products and technologies, please feel free to contact our technical team or visit the official website of ERDI.
Contact ERDI TECH
If you need technical information, specification sheets, prototype tests or customized solutions for the 1064nm laser target designator, please contact the ERDI TECH engineering team.
📧 yeva@erdimail.com (responses within 24 hours)
We will provide the most suitable laser technology solutions for your platform.