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PAVE PENNY

Pave Penny is a passive laser tracker which uses reflected laser energy to give the pilot precise target location. It uses a cockpit-selectable four-digit code and can use either a ground or airborne designator. Pave Penny is used by A-10 and A-7 aircraft. The current Pave Penny laser spot seeker is becoming unreliable and unsupportable. Current employment ranges for the primary ordnance of the A-10, the GAU-8 30mm Gatling gun and the AGM-65 Maverick missiles, are beyond the range of the Pave Penny system.

Specifications

Description: Pod contained laser seeker and tracker.
Function: To receive laser energy and provide cockpit head-up steering to source of reflected energy.

Can provide A-7 automated release.
Employment: Used to help pilot locate reflected laser energy.
PRF Codes: All codes. In flight selectable.
Target Nominal Range
(for std tgt 2.3 x 2.3 meters):		 Stationary- 20 miles

Moving- 20 miles plus (moving target provides better visual acquisition)
System Unique Capabilities: Very sensitive seeker, capable of engaging targets the pilot cannot see given adequate designation.

Expands aircraft capability by providing early target acquisition.
Limitations: Laser spot must be within seeker field of view.
Platform: A-10, A-7

Sources and Resources


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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/pave_penny.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, February 19, 1998 09:00:01 AM