The Requirement
Designation adds two requirements to an imaging chain: a rangefinder that reaches the engagement distance and a mount rigid enough that the beam stays on the aim point.
The black-box imager offers a STANAG 3733 I and II designator with more than 50 mJ output at 1064 nm, alongside a rangefinder measuring to 32,000 m. It carries no integral pan-tilt, so it is paired with an ultra precision positioner. On foot, the lightweight tripod with its patented zero-clearance interface and the digital goniometer give 1 mil pointing accuracy.
Step 01
Sensor
Designation demands more than detection. A designator channel puts a coded pulse on the target, and the pulse code must match the receiving weapon, so STANAG pulse coding is a requirement rather than a feature. Cooled MWIR is the usual thermal channel here because the engagement range is long.
Step 02
Positioner
Pointing accuracy and stabilisation are the whole job. A designator that drifts off the aim point during the flight time of the round is not a designator. This is where the 0.003 deg stabilisation and dual-loop control in the range earn their cost.
Step 03
Support
A designation mission is usually static and short. That favours a tripod with a rigid, zero-clearance head over a tall mast: stiffness under the sensor matters more than height.
What governs the choice
- Designator wavelength and pulse code
- Must match the receiving system. The range publishes 1064 nm output and STANAG 3733 coding.
- Rangefinder reach
- Sets the engagement envelope. LRF options reach 32,000 m.
- Stabilisation and pointing accuracy
- The two numbers that decide whether the mark stays on the target.
- Head stiffness
- A zero-clearance tripod head is a published design feature in the heavy class, and it exists for this mission.
Where the site sets the limit
- Laser output is subject to eye-safety classification and to export control. Both are settled during the quotation, not on this page.
- Designation is the clearest case where end use and end user must be established before a configuration is discussed.
Qualified Products
All Products| Model | Product | Family |
|---|---|---|
| SEB20 | Multi Channel (EO-MWIR-LRF-LD) Thermal Imager | Thermal Imagers |
| SEG14 | Multi Channel (EO-LWIR-LRF) Stabilised Gimbal System | Thermal Imagers |
| PED10 | Ultra Precision Electromechanical Pan-Tilt | Pan-Tilt & Positioning Systems |
| PEG03 | Lightweight Goniometer | Pan-Tilt & Positioning Systems |
| PMD01 | Lightweight Manual Pan-Tilt | Pan-Tilt & Positioning Systems |
| TMH10 | Heavy Duty Tripod | Tripods |
| TML10 | Ultra Lightweight Tripod | Tripods |
