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Covert Laser Landing System
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The Covert Laser Landing System (CLLS) is a man-portable battery powered airfield and landing zone lighting system with an extremely low probability of intercept. This system has no visible or FLIR signature and is designed for use with night vision goggles. It is composed of the Covert Diode Laser Centerline Localizer (CDLCL), the Covert Diode Laser Glideslope Indicator (CDLGI), and the Covert Diode Laser Edgelight (CDLE). In some less restrictive environments the CDLE can be replaced by the infrared LED Edgelight.
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Covert Diode Laser Centerline Localizer
Using non-visible laser technology, the CDLCL provides lightweight (less than 2 lbs) and long range (up to 10 nautical miles) NVG-only guidance for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Outside of the 10 degree by 4 degree illuminated corridor, the CDLCL guidance light is completely invisible to the unaided eye, NVG’s, or FLIR systems. However, within the approach corridor, the CDLCL provide extremely visible (with NVG’s) and accurate line-up guidance. The CDLCL is powered by replaceable lithium batteries, that provides 24 hours of operation.
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Covert Diode Laser Glideslope Indicator
Similar to the CDLCL, the CDLGI provides precision glideslope information for NVG equipped pilots. Powered by replaceable lithium batteries the CDLGI provides up to 24 hours of continous operation, all in a very lightweight package that weighs less than 1 pound. When operated with the CDLCL, this system provides a accurate approach corridor with the maximum amount of stealth. As with the CDLCL, the CDLGI has effectively zero visible and FLIR signatures.
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Covert Diode Laser Edgelight
The CDLE’s are used to illuminate the edges of the covert landing strip. Highly directional invisible laser light can be seen by NVG equipped pilots, but only within the very narrow approach corridors outlined by the CDLCL and CDLGI. Each CDLE is small ( about 4 by 3 by 1 inch) and lightweight ( 9 oz). It is powered by replaceable lithium batteries which provide approximately 24 hours of operation. When used with the CDLCL and CDLGI and up to 40 CDLE’s it is possible to illuminate a 5000 ft runway using equipment with a total weight of less than 50 lbs that is stowed in a medium sized backpack. A two-man team arriving by ground or air can quickly turn a strip of road or suitable flat area into an airfield for C-130 or other fixed wing night operations.
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Visible/Infrared Dual Mode LED Edgelight
A light-weight less covert companion to the covert system, these are used when NVG only, or visible operations are desirable. The infrared LED arrays are used to provide a ‘dark’ environment runway and LZ lighting system. With a flick of a switch the LZ or runway can be converted to unaided visible mode for non-NVG pilots. While not as covert as the CDLE, the DMEL is a more versatile choice when non-NVG aircraft may be mixed in with NVG traffic. Powered by long life lithium batteries, each DMEL weights 9 oz and an entire 5000 ft runway lighting system can be carried by a single soldier.
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