AN/PEQ-1 SOFLAM (GLTD) | |
---|---|
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) | 11.2 in × 13.2 in × 5.2 in (28 cm × 34 cm × 13 cm) |
Weight | 11.3 lb (5.13 kg) |
Additional features | Tripod |
Viewer Specifications | |
Viewer FoV | 4.4°Hx5°V |
Zoom | 10x |
Target Designator Specifications | |
Target Designator Output ( mw) | 80 mJ |
Target Designator Divergence ( mrad) | 0.3 mrad |
Target Designator Wavelength ( nm) | 1064 nm Nd-YAG |
Target Designator Range ( km) | >10 km |
Laser Rangefinder Specifications | |
Rangefinder Output ( mw) | 80 mJ |
Rangefinder Divergence ( mrad) | 0.3 mrad |
Rangefinder Wavelength ( nm) | 1064 nm Nd-YAG |
Rangefinder Range ( km) | ~20 km [4] |
Rangefinder Accuracy ( m) | 35 m |
The AN/PEQ-1 also known as a Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (SOFLAM or SOF-LAM) or the Ground Laser Target Designator (GLTD) is a
U.S. military
laser designator designed for use by
special operations forces (SOF), including
Combat Control Teams (CCT),
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC), and
Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP), under rugged field conditions.
[4]
[5]
[6] Using the SOFLAM, soldiers can mark targets for
close air support and
artillery; in combination with
GPS systems it can also generate coordinates for
precision guided munitions. With the SOFLAM and other target designators,
support fires can be called in extremely close to friendly forces while avoiding
friendly fire.
[7]
The AN/PEQ-1 was first used in combat in the War in Afghanistan, then later in the Iraq War. Close air support called in via SOFLAM by SOF like the "Horse Soldiers" from 5th Special Forces ODAs, embedded CIA officers, and other forces, contributed heavily to US and allied victories during the invasion of Afghanistan. It was used during the capture of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capture of Bagram Airfield, and the Fall 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 a laser rangefinder nor could it interface directly with GPS devices. [6] Both the laser rangefinder and GPS interface capabilities were added with later versions. [7]