Small armed UAVs and miniature smart weapons will require tiny target designators rugged enough to guide weapons.
The Air Force has put out a research proposal for a shock-hardened miniature laser sensor to aid in close air support and close-quarters combat involving small UAVs and miniature munitions. "A particular application in mind is a laser guided rocket propelled grenade launched from a small UAS (SUAS) or a standard M16 grenade launcher," the proposal reads.
Resource: Read the research proposal
Many weapons use semi-active laser (SAL) seekers, but the sensors are larger than the munition, which measures 40 mm in diameter, according to the proposal.
Requirements for the sensors, which will be used by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOCOM), include taking up less than a couple of cubic inches, acquiring targets at ranges greater than one kilometer, and transmitting processed error-signal feedback to the guidance system at a greater than 25 Hz update rate.
The Air Force also wants a shock-hardened laser designator for use with hand- and aircraft-mounted weapons at ranges of up to 3 kilometers.
