•INTRODUCTION
•WHAT
IS LASER
•LGB
•HISTORY
•DEVELOPMENT
•RAW
MATERIALS
•DESIGN
•THE
MANUFACTURING
PROCESS
•VARIOUS
TYPES OF LGB
•QUALITY
CONTROL
•HOW
TO USE THE
MISSILE
•BYPRODUCTS/WASTE
•MODERN
LASER
GUIDED MISSILE
•THE
FUTURE
•REFERENCES
Missiles differ from rockets by virtue of a guidance system that steers
them towards a pre-selected target. Unguided, or free-flight, rockets
proved to be useful yet frequently inaccurate weapons when fired from
aircraft during the World War II. This inaccuracy, often resulting in the
need to fire many rockets to hit a single target, led to the search for a
means to guide the rocket towards its target. The concurrent explosion
of radio-wave technology (such as radar and radio detection devices)
provided the first solution to this problem. Several warring nations,
including the United States, Germany and Great Britain, mated existing
rocket technology with new radio- or radar-based guidance systems to
create the world's first guided missiles. Although these missiles were not
deployed in large enough numbers to radically divert the course of the
World War II
,
Dr. Theodore Maiman built the first laser (Light Amplification by
Stimulated Emission of Radiation) at Hughes Research Laboratories in
1960. The military realized the potential applications for lasers almost as
soon as their first beams cut through the air. Laser guided projectiles
underwent their baptism of fire in the extended series of air raids that
highlighted the American effort in the Vietnam War. The accuracy of
these weapons earned them the well-known sobriquet of "smart
weapons." But even this new generation of advanced weaponry could
not bring victory to U.S. forces in this bitter and costly war. However, the
combination of experience gained in Vietnam, refinements in laser
technology, and similar advances in electronics and computers, led to
more sophisticated and deadly laser guided missiles. They finally
received widespread use in Operation Desert Storm, where their
accuracy and reliability played a crucial role in the decisive defeat of
Iraq's military forces. Thus, the laser guided missile has established itself as
a key component in today's high-tech military technology.
A laser is a device that emits light
(electromagnetic radiation) through a
process called stimulated emission. The term
laser is an acronym for light amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation.[1][2] Laser light
is usually spatially coherent, which means that
the light either is emitted in a narrow, lowdivergence beam, or can be converted into
one with the help of optical components such
as lenses. Typically, lasers are thought of as
emitting light with a narrow wavelength
spectrum ("monochromatic" light). This is not
true of all lasers, however: some emit light with
a broad spectrum, while others emit light at
multiple distinct wavelengths simultaneously.
The coherence of typical laser emission is
distinctive. Most other light sources emit
incoherent light, which has a phase that varies
randomly with time and position.
Laser-guided missiles work by following the
reflected light of a laser beam, which can
either be shone on the target by the aircraft
itself, by another airplane, or by ground
troops with a handheld laser designator.
Therefore, once the missile has been
launched its own instrumentation is able to
remain on target, rather than older laserguided missiles that required the pilot to
continually sight the target with the laser.
Laser-guided missiles are used for those
targets that need pinpoint accuracy. A
disadvantage of laser-guided missiles is that
their guidance systems do not work well in all
weather conditions. If it is cloudy, the water
droplets in the air cause the laser to diffract.
Because the laser only operates within a
certain bandwidth, the laser can be
completely diffracted if it is too cloudy and
the missile will not be able to locate its target.
Rain has a similar effect on the laser because
each raindrop serves to diffract the laser
beam, once again deterring the missile from
its target.
Laser-guided missiles were first
developed during the Vietnam War. The
Army began to research laser guidance
systems in 1962. The first laser-guided
bomb, the BOLT-117, was developed by
the Air Force in 1967; however, it was
not used in combat until 1968. The BOLT117 worked using two planes. One
plane was used to keep a laser
illuminating the intended target, while
the other’s job was to drop the missile
by following the reflected laser bean
and directing the missile by sending
signals to its control fins. For high
efficiency, there was a very narrow
region within which the pilot could
release the missile. Laser-guided missiles
of this time were generally made of
standard iron and were simply dumb
bombs with a laser guidance and
control system attached. They
commonly had a range of three to four
kilometers
A lthough the bomb may appear simple in
design today -- bolt a guidance seeker on
the front and control fins on the rear of a
standard bomb casing -- in the fall of 1965
it was anything but easy. Word and his
fellow engineers . identified the problems
they would have to conquer in a short
time. First, the team had to develop and
build a seeker which would sense the laser
light, and then figure a way to move that
information to the Shrike control unit bolted
on the end of the bomb. Finally, they had
to make it fly -- the bomb had to be
aerodynamic Most of the work was
adapting and improving missile
technology, but Tom Weaver remembered
one of the most significant challenges the
TI team faced was electronically moving
the guidance data from the seeker to the
control unit in an era of transistors and
circuit breadboards.
The team finally locked in 10 pulses per
second as the golden number for a
bomb to guide to the target.
Working out of TI's labs in Dallas, Texas,
and trudging down to the steamy, jungle
like ranges of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida,
the team set about to make laser guided
bombs a reality in September 1965. With
only six months to design, test and prove
laser guidance, the pressure of the
ticking clock brought on a fast paced,
sometimes unorthodox development
cycle for the guided bomb. The TI
engineers didn't know how to use a laser,
having never seen a working model.
Salonimer loaned them a laser, one of
only two in the world, and they used the
water tower in Plano, Texas as a fixed
object to measure laser light return.
A laser guided missile consists of four important components, each of which
contains different raw materials. These four components are the missile body,
the guidance system(also called the laser and electronics suite), the
propellant, and the warhead. The missile body is made from steel alloys or
high-strength aluminum alloys that are often coated with chromium along
the cavity of the body in order to protect against the excessive pressures
and heat that accompany a missile launch. The guidance system contains
various types of materials—some basic, others high-tech—that are designed
to give maximum guidance capabilities. These materials include a photo
detecting sensor and optical filters, with which the missile can interpret laser
wavelengths sent from a parent aircraft. The photo detecting sensor's most
important part is its sensing dome, which can be made of glass, quartz,
and/or silicon. A missile's electronics suite can contain gallium-arsenide
semiconductors, but some suites still rely exclusively on copper or silver wiring.
Guided missiles use nitrogen-based solid propellants as their fuel source.
Certain additives (such as graphite or nitroglycerine) can be included to
alter the performance of the propellant. The missile's warhead can contain
highly explosive nitrogen-based mixtures, fuel-air explosives (FAE), or
phosphorous compounds. The warhead is typically encased in steel, but
aluminum alloys are sometimes used as a substitute.
Two basic types of laser guided missiles exist on the
modern battlefield. The first type "reads" the laser light
emitted from the launching aircraft/helicopter. The
missile's electronic suite issues commands to the fins
(called control surfaces) on its body in an effort to keep it
on course with the laser beam. This type of missile is called
a beam rider as it tends to ride the laser beam towards its
target. The second type of missile uses on-board sensors to
pick up laser light reflected from the target. The
aircraft/helicopter pilot selects a target, hits the target
with a laser beam shot from a target designator, and then
launches the missile. The missile's sensor measures the error
between its flight path and the path of the reflected light.
Correction messages are then passed on to the missile's
control surfaces via the electronics suite, steering the
missile onto its target.
Regardless of type, the missile designer must run computer
simulations as the first step of the design process. These
simulations assist the designer in choosing the proper laser type,
body length, nozzle configurations, cavity size, warhead type,
propellant mass, and control surfaces. The designer then puts
together a package containing all relevant engineering
calculations, including those generated by computer
simulations. The electronics suite is then designed around the
capabilities of the laser and control surfaces. Drawings and
schematics of all components can now be completed;
CAD/CAM .(Computer-Aided Design/Manufacture) technology
has proven helpful with this task. Electronics systems are then
designed around the capabilities of the aircraft's laser and the
missile's control surfaces. The following step consists of
generating the necessary schematic drawings for the chosen
electronics system. Another computer-assisted study of the total
guided missile system constitutes the final step of the design
process
THIS PROCESS IS DONE BY 4 PARTS. THOSE ARE FOLLOWING……….

Constructing the body and attaching the fins

Casting the propellant

Assembling the guidance system
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Final assembly
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1 The steel or aluminum body is die cast in halves. Die casting
involves pouring molten metal into a steel die of the desired
shape and letting the metal harden. As it cools, the metal
assumes the same shape as the die. At this time, an optional
chromium coating can be applied to the interior surfaces of
the halves that correspond to a completed missile's cavity.
The halves are then welded together, and nozzles are added
at the tail end of the body after it has been welded.
2 Moveable fins are now added at predetermined points
along the missile body. The fins can be attached to
mechanical joints that are then welded to the outside of the
body, or they can be inserted into recesses purposely milled
into the body.
The propellant must be carefully applied to the missile
cavity in order to ensure a uniform coating, as any
irregularities will result in an unreliable burning rate,
which in turn detracts from the performance of the
missile. The best means of achieving a uniform coating
is to apply the propellant by using centrifugal force. This
application, called casting, is done in an industrial
centrifuge that is well-shielded and situated in an
isolated location as a precaution against fire or
explosion.
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The principal laser components—the photo detecting sensor and
optical filters—are assembled in a series of operations that are separate
from the rest of the missile's construction. Circuits that support the laser
system are then soldered onto pre-printed boards; extra attention is
given to optical materials at this time to protect them from excessive
heat, as this can alter the wavelength of light that the missile will be able
to detect. The assembled laser subsystem is now set aside pending final
assembly. The circuit boards for the electronics suite are also assembled
independently from the rest of the missile. If called for by the design,
microchips are added to the boards at this time.
The guidance system (laser components plus the electronics suite) can
now be integrated by linking the requisite circuit boards and inserting
the entire assembly into the missile body through an access panel. The
missile's control surfaces are then linked with the guidance system by a
series of relay wires, also entered into the missile body via access panels.
The photo detecting sensor and its housing, however, are added at this
point only for beam riding missiles, in which case the housing is carefully
bolted to the exterior diameter of the missile near its rear, facing
backward to interpret the laser signals from the parent aircraft
Insertion of the warhead constitutes the final assembly
phase of guided missile construction. Great care must be
exercised during this process, as mistakes can lead to
catastrophic accidents. Simple fastening techniques such
as bolting or riveting serve to attach the warhead without
risking safety hazards. For guidance systems that home-in
on reflected laser light, the photo detecting sensor (in its
housing) is bolted into place at the tip of the warhead. On
completion of this final phase of assembly, the
manufacturer has successfully constructed on of the most
complicated, sophisticated, and potentially dangerous
pieces of hardware in use today.
The LGB flight path is divided into three phases:
ballistic, transition, and terminal guidance.
During the ballistic phase, the weapon
continues on the unguided trajectory
established by the flight path of the delivery
aircraft at the moment of release. In the
ballistic phase, the delivery attitude takes on
additional importance, since maneuverability
of the UGB is related to the weapon velocity
during terminal guidance. Therefore,
airspeed lost during the ballistic phase
equates to a proportional loss of
maneuverability. The transition phase begins
at acquisition. During the transition phase, the
weapon attempts to align its velocity vector
with the line-of-sight vector to the target.
During terminal guidance, the UGB attempts
to keep its velocity vector aligned with the
instantaneous line-of- sight. At the instant
alignment occurs, the reflected laser energy
centers on the detector and commands the
canards to a trail position, which causes the
weapon to fly ballistically with gravity biasing
towards the target.
Designation
Guidance System
Munition
KMU-421/B
SUU-54/b 2000-lb
cluster bomb
GBU-10 A/B
KMU-351 A/B
Mk 84 2000-lb bomb
GBU-12 A/B
KMU-388 A/B
GBU-12 A/B
KMU-420 /B
GBU-12 A/B
KMU-342 /B
M117 750-lb bomb
GBU-10 D/B
KMU-351 E/B
Mk 84 2000-lb bomb
GBU-12 C/B
KMU-388 C/B
Mk 82 SNAKEYE
500-lb bomb
GBU-16 C/B
KMU-455 /B
Mk 83 1000-lb bomb
GBU-2
PAVEWAY I
Mk 82 500-lb
SNAKEYE
Mk 20 Mod 2
ROCKEYE 500-lb
bomb
PAVEWAY II
Each important component is subjected to rigorous quality
control tests prior to assembly. First, the propellant must pass a
test in which examiners ignite a sample of the propellant under
conditions simulating the flight of a missile. The next test is a wind
tunnel exercise involving a model of the missile body. This test
evaluates the air flow around the missile during its flight.
Additionally, a few missiles set aside for test purposes are fired to
test flight characteristics. Further work involves putting the
electronics suite through a series of tests to determine the speed
and accuracy with which commands get passed along to the
missile's control surfaces. Then the laser components are tested
for reliability, and a test beam is fired to allow examiners to
record the photo detecting sensor's ability to "read" the proper
wavelength. Finally, a set number of completed guided missiles
are test fired from aircraft or helicopters on ranges studded with
practice targets.
THE PROCESS OF USE THIS MISSILE IS DIFFERENT FOR AIR BASE
AND LAND BASE MISSILE.

LAND BASE MISSILE

AIR BASE MISSILE
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Spawn the base object. I used a barrel, but anything can do. Be sure to freeze it, as the rocket tends
to take off if you wire things up in the wrong order. Nothing worse than a Wile E. Coyote impression.
Attach a GPS and a laser receiver.
attach a Wired Numpad, we will use 1 to turn the thrusters on and off. (you really can use any number
but zero, because the vector thrusters multiplies the input number by what you set as the force
multiplier)
attach three arithmetic chips set to 'subtract'. try to place them in such a way so as to make it easy to
keep track of which chip is the x variable, which is the y, and which is the z. This can get confusing,
and can go very wrong very fast, such as sending the missile flying into the ground, or you.
Set each arithmetic chip with B to the respective laser reciever coord (x,y,orz) and A to the respective
GPS coord. Be sure that you have the B to the reciever and the A to the GPS and not vice-versa or you
will have a laser repelled missile Another useful tip is to go from the chip to the module, or you will not
be able to attach to the coord variables. This frustrated the author until he figured this out.
Set the numpad to be off. It will display a number on its popup if it is on. You want it off for now.
Attach a vector thrusters with the coordiate system set to xyz world. Setting the system to local will
result in a rocket worthy of Wile E. Coyote himself. Also set the Force multiplier to your desired thrust,
which is what it will be if you use "1" for the numpad. Check "toggle"
Wire the thrusters in this order:
›
Mul wired to the numpad output "1"
›
X to the arithmetic chip for x-coords
›
Y to the chip for y
›
Z to the chip for z
Using the laser pointer from the scripted weapons, register it to the laser pointer reciever using the
secondary fire mode.
unfreeze the base object and flip on the numpad toggle (1 if you followed my plans). If you wired
everything right the missile should follow wherever you point the laser pointer.
The basic operational concept for laser guidance and targeting from a
combat aircraft was simple. The Weapons System Operator would use
a laser marking device mounted on the back-seat canopy of one F-4 to
illuminate that target. Another F-4 loaded with the laser guided bombs
would make the attack dive bomb run. Depending on fuel loads, the
Phantom could carry two 2,000 pound guided bombs. The number was
fewer because the fixed guidance fins on the bomb only allowed one
bomb per station on the fighter. In later versions of the Paveway bomb,
folding rear fins allowed for two bombs to be loaded on aircraft bomb
station hardpoints
Diagram of an aircraft approaching a target to be destroyed by a laserguided missile
Propellants and explosives used in warheads are toxic if
introduced into water supplies. Residual amounts of
these materials must be collected and taken to a
designated disposal site for burning. Each state maintains
its own policy pertaining to the disposal of explosives,
and Federal regulations require that disposal sites be
inspected periodically. Effluents (liquid byproducts) from
the chromium coating process can also be hazardous.
This problem is best dealt with by storing the effluents in
leak-proof containers. As an additional safety
precaution, all personnel involved in handling any
hazardous wastes should be given protective clothing
that includes breathing devices, gloves, boots and
overalls.
Modern laser-guided missiles can be self-detonated,
thus requiring only a single aircraft, and their range
has increased significantly. The laser-guided missiles
use a laser of a specific frequency bandwidth to
locate the target. The pilot must line up the crosshairs
and lock successfully onto target. This laser creates a
heat signature on the target. The weapon must be
released during a certain window of opportunity. After
it is launched, the missile uses its onboard
instrumentation to find the heat signature. The target is
acquired when the missile locates the heat signature.
The missile is able to secure the target even if the
target is moving.
Future laser guided missile systems will carry their own
miniaturized laser on board, doing away with the need for
target designator lasers on aircraft. These missiles, currently
under development in several countries, are called "fire-andforget" because a pilot can fire one of these missiles and
forget about it, relying on the missile's internal laser and
detecting sensor to guide it towards its target. A further
development of this trend will result in missiles that can select
and attack targets on their own. Once their potential has
been realized, the battlefields of the world will feel the
deadly venom of these "brilliant missiles" for years to come.
An even more advanced concept envisions a battle rifle for
infantry that also fires small, laser guided missiles. Operation
Desert Storm clearly showed the need for laser guided
accuracy, and, as a result, military establishments dedicated
to their missions will undoubtedly invent and deploy ever
more lethal versions of laser guided missiles.
Website

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www.sgspires.com
www.wiki.garrysmod.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.nd.edu
Books
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JP 3-09.1, Joint Laser Designation Procedures, 1 June 1991, [PDF Size = 835K but well
worth the wait]
Joint Laser Designation Procedures Training and Doctrine Command Procedures
Pamphlet 34-3
Safety information Laser Fire Control Systems Mil-Handbook-828, 1993
Fundamentals of Lasers
LASER RANGE SAFETY Range Commanders Council, White Sands Missile Range,
OCTOBER 1998
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Laser Guided Munitions CHAPTER 7 TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE
STRIKE / RECON PLATOON (STRIKER)
Techno-Tips on Laser Guided Bombs