Visualising laser beam with NVG

[tordillo]

Hi, I’ve been reading the the Osprey book “A10 in operation enduring freedom” and it tells a story where the pilot uses his laser pod to mark objects and watch them with the NVG while making a strafe run at night. I tried to do it but I couldn’t see the laser with the NVG (I was lassing during the run). Do you know if it is possible in the sim to see the laser beam with the NVG?

[Xavven]

It's possible if you switch to the IR Pointer. Make your TGP the SOI, then press DMS-Right.

 

The TGP has two lasers: one for designating targets for a weapon seeker like the GBU-12/GBU-10 and for LSS, and an IR Pointer for illuminating targets or positions for visual acquisition. The former is the default enabled when you hop into the sim.

[=Panther=]

As mentioned you can view it. Here's an example as I do system checks as part of preparation for combat.

 

[Gliptal]

Just for completeness sake, the TGP can fire both the laser and the IR pointer at the same time.

[tordillo]

Ok, thanks for your answers

[feefifofum]

On the top right of the TGP, you'll see a button which will cycle between laser, IR pointer, or both.

[Wrench]

I remember when I first tried this. I thought to myself; "wouldn't it be neat if I could see my own IR pointer in the NVG's? Sureley IRL you could, NVG's are IR sensitive...."

And sure enough, as soon as I tried, it worked.

Really useful for helping you get a visual on something you've found in the TGP.

I find it's best to know where things are heads-up as much as possible, but it gets pretty hard at night.

 

I forget though, can you see a JTAC's SPARKLE through the TGP? I remember WAY back in 1.1.1.1 it was broken-ish. But the last time I tried to get a SPARKLE, GD JTAC gave me willy-pete. Thanks buddy. Super help, much wow.

[Gliptal]

It does show.

[Wrecking Crew]

Just to be clear, the Laser is not visible, while the InfraRed Pointer can be seen through the NVG. Don't say 'laser' when you mean the 'IR pointer'.

[Frederf]

TGP has 3 lasers: 1.06um 1.54um and ~850nm.

 

The longer wave length 1 and 1.5 micrometer wavelength are the combat and training designators. They are too long wavelength for typical NVGs to see. Combat LGBs use the combat wavelength. The LGTR would use the training wavelength most likely. I believe the BDU-50/LGB round in DCS uses the combat wavelength.

 

The 800-900nm range is the laser pointer which is visible through NVGs.

 

When conversation has the chance of confusion, use the words designator (training/combat to differentiate between the two of those if needed) and pointer instead of the generic word laser.

[Robin_Hood]

As Frederf says (thanks for the very informative post!), both are technically infrared lasers (else the beam would widen much quicker). Remember that the IR band is quite large, and NVGs only get a small part of those (the closest to visible light).

 

I wonder what wavelengths the russian NVGs (as on the Ka-50) are able to work with.

[rickberry49]

I tried it with a moving target locked on in Point mode from the TGP, Pretty cool to fly around and see this beam of light tracking your target. Fly down the beam right to your target....!!!