OVERVIEW: The AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack is an airborne laser target designator pod, designed for all weather and day or night time use at all altitudes.

DETAILS: The AN/AVQ-26 has both a laser range finder/designator (LRF/D) and a FLIR. Both units are stabilized for accurate tracking. A video recorder allow for BDA and a TV sensor for target acquisition. Although primarily used for the designation and accurate delivery of laser-guided weapons, the laser range finder also improves the accuracy of 'dumb' bombs.

NOTES: The AN/AVQ-23 was used by the USAF between 1980-1996. The RAAF employed the system for its F-111C aircraft until 2010. South Korea purchased the system for its F-4 fleet, with IOC in 1987 (approx.)


SOURCES: Jane's Electro-Optic Systems, "Lockheed Martin AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack laser designator," 24 December 2010 ; Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. "Pave Tack." Accessed November 2, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pave_Tack ; Air Power Australia. "Pave Tack and the GBU-15 Greatly Expand RAAF StrikeCapabilities." Accessed November 2, 2014. http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-AVQ-26-GBU-15.html.