LITES - (Laser Integrated Target Engagement System)

Submitted by oads on Tue, 04/15/2008 - 16:23.

The Laser Integrated Target Engagement System (LITES) consolidates many of the capabilities required by Forward Air Controllers (FAC) into a single, one man portable unit. OADS continues with futher research and development for this technology, but production has been licensed to Rockwell Collins.

LITES is used for precision target location, identification, tracking and laser designation with day/night capability. The system can be used locally or remotely and has day/night image capture and video streaming and has the ability to provide digital data directly to the shooter.

LITES is an integrated system which reduces total system weight and complexity for the operator while improving reliability. The integrated solution has the potential to greatly increase operational utility.

LITES - Improvements over current hardware

  • Laser Target Designator
  • One fourth of the battery weight, more than twice the designations, twice the range
  • Laser Range Finder
  • Three times the range, continuous ranging operations, 30 times the update rate for moving target tracking
  • Target Location
  • Four times the accuracy
  • New capabilities will be added to current combat capability
  • Digital image capture, moving target tracking, digital interface communication link to shooter, wireless remote operation

LITES – Technical Achievements

  • World Record 1064 fiber optic laser power!
  • World Record 1550 fiber optic laser power!
  • Development of >30 custom fiber optic components and >10 custom optical fibers in 11 months!

LITES – Potential Spin Offs

  • Laser communications
  • High efficiency lasers (less energy required)
  • Laser imaging
  • Aerosol sensing