The Australian Defense Force (ADF) will receive, in the second quarter of 2022, an additional batch of Laser Target Designators (LTD) Type 163, following the signing of a supply agreement for these systems with Leonardo Australia in partnership with Collins Aerospace Australia.
Developed by Leonardo in Edinburgh, UK, the Type 163 LTD is a lightweight, compact, high-energy laser system intended for ground forces, combining high power, reliability and portability. Type 163 LTD has been designed to meet all the requirements of special and conventional Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and Joint Fires Observers (JFO) missions, to mark and control semi-active air-to-ground systems with target accuracy at distances up to 10 km.
The technology exploits Leonardo's experience in high-energy targeting lasers for aircraft such as the F-35 and the Apache helicopter, where space, weight and power are key factors. The system has, in fact, remarkable capabilities of designation and remote sensing while weighing only 2,3 kg. The Type 163 LTD produces a high-energy laser with extremely limited beam divergence. Its broad spectrum of functionality, which focuses primarily on JTAC and JFO missions, includes instant ignition and continuous targeting capability.
Type 163 LTD is field tested, with over 800 units already delivered to 27 international customers, including UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand, as well as a large number of NATO countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, countries Bassi and, more recently, Germany and Norway.
Leonardo is a world leader in high-energy military lasers, with a global market share of over 70% in airborne systems. The business portfolio includes the laser for Lockheed Martin's Sniper pod, Northrop Grumman's Litening pod and locators for various platforms, including the Tiger helicopter. Leonardo is also part of the British consortium Dragonfire which is building a direct energy system in collaboration with the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). As a founding member of Tempest, the international program for a new generation fighter aircraft system, Leonardo is also developing a specific laser capability within the ISANKE domain (Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects), which aims at a strongly sensing capability. integrated.
