WARREN, Mich. – U.S. Army night vision experts needed an infrared target illuminator and laser target designation system to enable soldiers to engage targets during darkness. They found a solution from L3Harris Technologies Integrated Vision Solutions in Londonderry, N.H.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich., announced a $20.5 million contract last week for AN/PEQ-15 Infrared Illuminators -- also known as Advanced Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Lights.
The AN/PEQ-15 can enhance situational awareness and target acquisition for forces operating in low-light conditions. It often is called the laser illuminator/designator (LID), is a compact, handheld laser device mounted on a rifle’s hand guard.
It has an infrared laser that enables a shooter see a target through night-vision equipment without revealing the beam to anyone using visible light; and a visible red laser for aiming, signaling, or marking a target for other units equipped with compatible optics.
Mounted on rifles
The AN/PEQ-15 is a small rectangular module that attaches to the Army's Picatinny or M-LOK rails, and typically is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
It offers an 850-nanometer infrared laser, which is invisible to the naked eye, and visible only through night-vision devices, as well as a 635–650-nanometer visible red beam laser for quick sight alignment or non-lethal signaling.
The laser illuminator/designator has infrared output generally around 5 to 10 milliwatts; and visible output usually less than 5 milliwatts to keep the device within safety limits for eye exposure at typical engagement distances.
Tell me more about infrared laser illuminators ...
- Infrared laser illuminators emit focused infrared light -- invisible to the naked eye -- to enhance night vision in low-light or nighttime conditions. They often pair with night-vision goggles, scopes, or cameras to improve visibility and target identification at long distances, and perform better than LED infrared illuminators for range. Common in military, law enforcement, and surveillance uses, they provide discreet, powerful illumination and often feature adjustable beam patterns for varying ranges and scenarios.
Its effective illumination and designation range is out to several hundred meters, depending on ambient lighting and the quality of the night-vision gear.
It has a push-button selector that toggles between infrared, visible, and off modes, while some versions include a brightness adjustment wheel. The device is built to the MIL-STD-810 military standard to resist the effects of shock, water ingress, and temperature extremes.
Soldiers can illuminate targets with the infrared laser while remaining concealed from adversaries who lack night-vision capability. The visible laser, meanwhile, can point out targets for other warfighters equipped with laser-compatible optics or for forward observers directing indirect fire. In low-visibility, the red laser also can serve for discreet communication.
Safety issues
Even though the infrared beam is invisible, prolonged exposure can cause retinal damage, so users are trained to aim the device only at intended targets and to avoid pointing it at the eyes of friendly personnel. The visible red laser, while lower power, should also be handled responsibly to prevent accidental eye injury.
On this contract, L3Harris will do the work at locations to be determined with each order, and should be finished by September 2027. For more information contact L3Harris Integrated Vision Solutions online at www.l3harris.com/all-capabilities/integrated-vision-solutions, or the Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal at https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-dta/.
