Slovenia picks Type 163 laser target designator
Balkan republic becomes 23rd country to order high-energy target designator from Leonardo.
Slovenia has become the latest nation to order Type 163 man-portable laser target designators (LTDs) from Leonardo, in a contract with an undisclosed value.
Weighing 2.3kg, the Type 163 is the most compact high-energy laser product offered by Leonardo for ground forces. Features include immediate firing from switch-on and a continuous lasing capability, producing a high-energy laser with a narrow beam divergence.
More than 700 units of the Type 163 have been sold to date. It was developed in response to the market need for a lightweight and compact laser designator for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.
While highly portable, the Type 163 retains the power and accuracy necessary to call in close air support, Leonardo noted in a 21 January statement.
In developing the Type 163, Leonardo drew on its experience in providing high-energy targeting lasers for aircraft such as the F-35 and Apache helicopter, where space, weight and power are at a premium.
Slovenia will be the 23rd country to adopt the Type 163, with other users including NATO allies as well as Five Eyes members Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US.
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