FO Binocs

[Todg]

Forward Observer Binoculars:

So called because they are initially isssued to FO and Artillery observers as an aid to calling in artillery. Introduced at TL8, they are continually refined at subsequent tech levels and are commonly encounterd amongst adventurers' kit.

FO Binocs are advanced optical gear. Aside from traditional image magnification, FO binocs include muxed starlight and thermal imaging, electronic image enhancement, programmable compass, GPS and inertial locator. A laser rangefinder gives highly accurate ranging out to 10km for reflective target and is accuract to within 2cm. There is also a built in inclinometer and the entire sytem is shock isolate, stabilized and ruggedized.

The internal diplay can show range, inclination and direction to the target, and can also calculate a ten digit coordinate for the target in either standard military or civilian grid reference schema.

Summary:
Light Amplification
Thermal Imaging
Image enhancement
Range finder
Compass
GPS
Inertial location
Target plotting
Image stabilization

TL8. Weight 1.3 kilos, Length 170mm, Cr2,100
TL10 Weight 0.8 kilos, Length 120mm, Cr650

A 'bolt on' laser targeting option is available that allows the binocs to be used to 'paint' targets for laser guided weapons. The package costs Cr1200 and adds 2kg to the unit's mass.

 

[Jame]

Ooo, I want a set!

 

[TJP]

Could you make the laser RF double as a target designator to "paint" targets for laser-guided bombs/missiles? Or is it doing that already and I just missed something.

 

[Todg]

Originally posted by TJP:
Could you make the laser RF double as a target designator to "paint" targets for laser-guided bombs/missiles? Or is it doing that already and I just missed something.

I didn't include that, but is is a natural addition. My bad.

 

[Pagan priest]

Minor point, at current tech levels, a laser designator needs to be much heavier than a laser range finder, due to the differrent amount of energy required.

 

[Todg]

True. However, Military tech is generally several years out of date due to theprocurement process. The Rangefinder I used for and example has a range of 10km.

The AN/PAQ-1 is early technology (TL7). The FO Binocs shown are TL8. ILEE (a subsidiary of Oerlikon) already makes a laser target designator with a range of several kilometers that is about the size of a flashlight.

Take a look at the latest GLTD from Northrop/Grumman:

http://www.dsd.es.northropgrumman.com/products/laser/GLTD.html

To add a laser designator at TL8 probably adds a couple of kilos.

 

[Todg]

Naturally, it turns out that something very close to the FO binocs (originally written up in 1980) is now available.

"The Mark VII target locator combines a Class I eyesafe laser rangefinder, a digital magnetic compass, switchable day or night vision channels, and an RS-232 digital interface into a compact, lightweight handheld device ideally suited for artillery forward observers, forward air controllers, and long range reconnaissance patrols. When connected to a suitable global positioning system and ruggedized handheld computer, precise target location information can be transmitted digitally."

The US Air Force just bought 290 for use by FACs at a cost of $12.9 million, or about $44 thousand per unit. This unit has a laser range finder and 3rd generation startlight.

The seperate cost for all the items listed in the FO binocs:

light Amplification ~$3000 (Gen III)
Thermal Imaging ~$7,000
Range finder ~$1000 (10km)
Compass neg
GPS ~200
Inertial location~$1000
Target plotting
Image stabilization ~$1000

Converting to CT makes that about Cr4000, however Book 3 lists thermal imagers as costing only Cr500 and Starlight another Cr500, making the price at least Cr2,000 less. Cr2,100 seems reasonable at TL8

The cost of the bolt on target designator is based on the Laser Carbine (which can be used as an LTD) at Cr2500, so Cr1200 seem fairly reasonable.

 

[Tucker]

In the MT stuff I got, electronic binocs are a TL8+ toy, and offer pretty much the same sort of goodies, at a higher price. Is this one of those things in canon that get squished when real life gizmos horn in on SF? Comps are a sorta problem for some of my players as well.

Mapboxes are gettin' killed by GPS gadgets that fit into cellphone-sized packages. OOOH. Got me an idea!