GMT handoff to independent TGP moving laser track mode.

[Badger633]

Is there any way of directly handing off a GMT radar lock  to the TGP laser in moving point mode?

When you have a GMT lock the TGP will follow but when dropping say a GBU as you pass over the target the GMT lock is obviously lost as is the TGP laser moving lock, as the GMT was in primary control.

So Is the only way of fully handing over to a TGP moving lock and laser to do the following  ;

1 Designate a point using the TDC thus losing the GMT lock and also the target you are following in the TGP

2 Then using the TGP control to chase the vehicle you just lost and then designate as a moving point.

It would be useful if you could easily transfer the GMT lock to an independent TGP moving vehicle lock for laser guidance without doing the above, but maybe this is not possible?

 

[maxTRX]

Well, the pod has to be within parameters (not just range) to acquire and maintain the lock. Then, of course it has to be switched to PTRK.

I'm definitely not an expert on Litening pod...  It would be nice to be able to switch modes on the pod (without pod designating the target) while radar is still maintaining the track. Then, as soon as the pod can handle it and sensor priority is on the pod, the PTRK would 'grab' the moving target.

I haven't really tested this... perhaps it is possible or there is a better method

Edited March 7, 2021 by Gripes323

[Badger633]

1 hour ago, Gripes323 said:

Well, the pod has to be within parameters (not just range) to acquire and maintain the lock. Then, of course it has to be switched to PTRK.

I'm definitely not an expert on Litening pod...  It would be nice to be able to switch modes on the pod (without pod designating the target) while radar is still maintaining the track. Then, as soon as the pod can handle it and sensor priority is on the pod, the PTRK would 'grab' the moving target.

I haven't really tested this... perhaps it is possible or there is a better method

 

Yes would be ideal if the TGP in point track would grab the GMT like lock. Although the TGP will follow the GMT moving lock if you put the TGP in focus and move sensor control it will go to a stationary lock before a moving lock so you lose the target and then have to chase it and carry out a moving lock.

[Svend_Dellepude]

Just make the FLIR SOI and move the crosshairs in front of the target and command PTRK just before the target passes through the crosshairs. When the radar loses the track the TGP will still be tracking and your LGB will land on top of your target.

IRL there probably is a way to jump directly to PTRK but I don't know. 

Anyway this way works for me.

[Badger633]

24 minutes ago, Svend_Dellepude said:

Just make the FLIR SOI and move the crosshairs in front of the target and command PTRK just before the target passes through the crosshairs. When the radar loses the track the TGP will still be tracking and your LGB will land on top of your target.

IRL there probably is a way to jump directly to PTRK but I don't know. 

Anyway this way works for me.

Yes that’s the way I have done it, but you would think there was more of an automated hand  over between the two systems. Or, maybe that is just the way it was.

[Svend_Dellepude]

Maybe it will be different when the ATFLIR arrives. The Ligtening pod was AFAIK always meant as a substitute until the ATFLIR could be developed. 

[Brass2-1]

1 hour ago, Svend_Dellepude said:

Maybe it will be different when the ATFLIR arrives. The Ligtening pod was AFAIK always meant as a substitute until the ATFLIR could be developed. 

I’ve read before that the ATFLIR does integrate better with the jet-here’s hoping. 

[WOPR]

The Litening Pod was done first because of the F-16.   It is valid for both modules.