TheAN/PEQ-1also known as aSpecial Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker(SOFLAMorSOF-LAM) or theGround Laser Target Designator(GLTD) is aU.S. militarylaser designatordesigned for use byspecial operations forces(SOF), includingCombat Control Teams(CCT),Joint Terminal Attack Controllers(JTAC), andTactical Air Control Parties(TACP), under rugged field conditions.[4][5][6]Using the SOFLAM, soldiers can mark targets forclose air supportandartillery;in combination withGPS systemsit can also generate coordinates forprecision guided munitions.With the SOFLAM and other target designators,support firescan be called in extremely close to friendly forces while avoidingfriendly fire.[7]
| AN/PEQ-1 SOFLAM (GLTD) | |
|---|---|
 AN/PEQ-1A SOFLAM | |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States Armed Forces |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan,Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Variants | |
| General Specifications | |
| Dimensions (L×H×W) | 11.2in× 13.2 in × 5.2 in (28cm× 34 cm × 13 cm) |
| Weight | 11.3lb(5.13kg) |
| Additional features | Tripod |
| Viewer Specifications | |
| Viewer FoV | 4.4°Hx5°V |
| Zoom | 10x |
| Target Designator Specifications | |
| Target Designator Output (mw) | 80mJ |
| Target Designator Divergence (mrad) | 0.3mrad |
| Target Designator Wavelength (nm) | 1064nmNd-YAG |
| Target Designator Range (km) | >10km |
| Laser Rangefinder Specifications | |
| Rangefinder Output (mw) | 80mJ |
| Rangefinder Divergence (mrad) | 0.3mrad |
| Rangefinder Wavelength (nm) | 1064nmNd-YAG |
| Rangefinder Range (km) | ~20km[4] |
| Rangefinder Accuracy (m) | 35m |
History
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The AN/PEQ-1 was first used in combat in theWar in Afghanistan,then later in theIraq War.Close air support called in via SOFLAM by SOF like the "Horse Soldiers" from5th Special ForcesODAs, embeddedCIAofficers, and other forces, contributed heavily to US and allied victories during theinvasion of Afghanistan.It was used during thecapture of Mazar-i-Sharif,the capture ofBagram Airfield,and theFall of Kandahar,among many other engagements.[8][9][7][10]
Some complaints were made about its weight and power consumption which necessitated bringing multiple replacement batteries. In its earlier configurations, the AN/PEQ-1 did not have alaser rangefindernor could it interface directly with GPS devices.[6]Both the laser rangefinder and GPS interface capabilities were added with later versions.[7]
References
edit- ^ab"Joint Pub 3-09.1 Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Laser Designation Operations"(PDF).Berlin Information Center for Transatlantic Security (BITS).Joint Chiefs of Staff. 28 May 1999. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 4 February 2022.Retrieved22 June2022.
- ^abNight Warrior Handbook A Guide to Individual Training for Night Combat in the Infantry Company Book 1(PDF)(3rd ed.). 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. January 2005. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 31 March 2022.
- ^ab"Assessment for the Safe Use of Lasers: Pabarade Range, Lithuania"(PDF).Air Force Research Laboratory.Archived(PDF)from the original on 10 July 2021.Retrieved10 April2022.
- ^abc"SOFLAM PEQ-1C"(PDF).Northrop Grumman.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 29 December 2018.Retrieved6 December2013.
- ^abSteele, Greg (25 August 2010)."Pacific Thunder 2010".US Air Force.917th WingPublic Affairs. Archived fromthe originalon 6 July 2022.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^abcErwin, Sandra I. (1 February 2003)."Air-Strike Coordinators Need Lighter Equipment".National Defense.Archived fromthe originalon 25 August 2022.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^abcdGresham, John D. (27 May 2010)."Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (SOFLAM) PEQ-1C".Defense Media Network.Archived fromthe originalon 2 February 2019.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^ab"Artifacts Special Operations Forces Laser Marker (SOFLAM)".CIA.Archived fromthe originalon 11 November 2021.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^abJones, Seth G.(2008).Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan(PDF).Vol. 4. Santa Monica:RANDNational Defense Research Institute. pp. 97, 121.ISBN978-0833041333.OCLC259716159.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 19 July 2022.Retrieved25 August2022.
- ^abKnarr Jr., William M.; Frost, John (December 2010)."Operation Enduring Freedom Battle Reconstruction: Battle Site Survey and Ground Force Data Reconciliation (Revised) D-4223".Institute for Defense Analyses.pp. III-18, V-16 to V-23. Archived fromthe originalon 25 August 2022.Retrieved25 August2022.
See Also
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