VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“Jnana Sangama”, Belagavi– 590018

A Technical Seminar Report on

“Laser guided missiles”

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by

Mr. NISHAN POOVAIAH K K 4CI17ME032

Under the Guidance of

Mr. Biddappa P S
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Kodava Education Society®

COORG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Halligattu, Ponnampet-571216
2020-2021
 Kodava Education Society®

COORG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Halligattu, Ponnampet-571216

Department of Mechanical Engineering

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the Technical seminar report entitled “Laser guided missiles” carried out
by Mr. NISHAN POOVAIAH K K, 4CI17ME032, a bonafide student of Coorg Institute Of
Technology in partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical
Engineering of the Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during the year
2020-2021.It is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated for internal assessment
have been incorporated in the report deposited in the departmental library. The technical
seminar report has been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of work
prescribed for the said degree.

Signature of the Guide Signature of the HOD

Mr. Biddappa P S Mr. Thimmaiah A G

 ABSTRACT
Laser guidance is used by military to guide a missile or other projectile or vehicle to a
target by means of a laser beam (Lidar), e.g., beam riding guidance or semi-active radar
homing (SARH). This technique is sometimes called SALH, for Semi-Active Laser
Homing. With this technique, a laser is kept pointed at the target and the laser radiation
bounces off the target and is scattered in all directions. The missile or bomb is launched
or dropped somewhere near the target. When it is close enough for some of the reflected
laser energy from the target to reach it, a laser seeker detects which direction this energy
is coming from and adjusts the projectile trajectory towards the source. While the
projectile is in the general area and the laser is kept aimed at the target, the projectile
should be guided accurately to the target.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to my institute “Coorg Institute of
Technology” Ponnampet which provided mean opportunity of fulfilling my cherished
goal.

I express my sincere gratitude to my respected Principal, Dr. Basavaraj M, “Coorg

Institute of Technology” Ponnampet for his kindhearted co-operation in the completion
of the seminar.

I feel elated in expressing my profound sense of indebtedness to my

HOD, Mr. Thimmaiah A G, Department of Mechanical Engineering for his constant
encouragement in carrying out the seminar successfully.

My profound thanks to my guide, Mr. Biddappa P S, Asst. Professor, Department of

Mechanical Engineering for his constant encouragement and valuable guidance for
completion of the seminar work.

I would like to thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff members of Department of
Mechanical Engineering department for their support.

Finally, I would like to thank all my friends and family members for their constant
support, guidance, and encouragement.

NISHAN POOVAIAH K K

(4CI17ME032)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract i

Acknowledgement ii

List of Figures iv

CHAPTER NO. CHAPTER NAME PAGE NO.

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Literature Survey 3

Chapter 3 Problem Statement 4

Chapter 4 Components and working 5

4.1 Components 5

4.2 Working 9

Chapter 5 Merits 11

Chapter 6 Conclusion and Future Enhancement 12

6.1 Conclusion 12

6.2 Future Enhancement 12

References 13

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Figure Name Page No.

Fig 1 Semi-active laser homing 2

Fig 2 Missile components 5-6

Fig 3 Active homing system 7
Fig 4 Semi active homing system 8
Fig 5 Passive homing system 8
Fig 6 Working of laser guided missile 9

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Laser guidance is a technique of guiding a missile or

other projectile or vehicle to a target by means of a laser
beam. Some laser guided systems utilize beam riding
guidance, but most operate more similarly to semi-active
radar homing (SARH). This technique is sometimes called
SALH, for Semi-Active Laser Homing. With this
technique, a laser is kept pointed at the target and the laser
radiation bounces off the target and is scattered in all
directions (this is known as “painting the target”, or “laser
painting”). The missile, bomb, etc. is launched or dropped
somewhere near the target. When it is close enough that
some of the reflected laser energy from the target reaches it,
a laser seeker detects which direction this energy is coming
from and adjusts the projectile trajectory towards the source.
As long as the projectile is in the general area and the laser is
kept aimed at the target, the projectile should be guided
accurately to the target.

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Fig 1: Semi-Active Laser Homing

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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY

Dr. Theodore Maiman built the first laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation) at Hughes Research Laboratories in 1960. The military realized the
potential applications for lasers almost as soon as their first beams cut through the air.
Laser guided projectiles underwent their baptism of fire in the extended series of air raids that
highlighted the American effort in the Vietnam War.
The combination of experience gained in Vietnam, refinements in laser technology,
and similar advances in electronics and computers, led to more sophisticated and deadly laser
guided missiles.
They finally received widespread use in Operation Desert Storm, where their accuracy
and reliability played a crucial role in the decisive defeat of Iraq's military forces. Thus, the
laser guided missile has established itself as a key component in today's high-tech military
technology.

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CHAPTER 3
PROBLEM STATEMENT

 Several warring nations, including the United States, Germany and Great Britain
mated existing rocket technology with new radio- or radar-based guidance systems to
create the world's first guided missiles.

 Although these missiles were not deployed in large enough numbers to radically
divert the course of the World War II, the successes that were recorded with them
pointed out techniques that would change the course of future wars.

 The problems centered on the unreliability of the new radio-wave technologies is that
the missiles were not able to hit targets smaller than factories, bridges, or warships.

 Circuits often proved fickle and would not function at all under adverse weather
conditions.

 Another flaw emerged as jamming technologies flourished in response to the success

of radar. Enemy jamming stations found it increasingly easy to intercept the radio or
radar transmissions from launching aircraft, thereby allowing these stations to send
conflicting signals on the same frequency, jamming or "confusing" the missile.

 Battlefield applications for guided missiles, especially those that envisioned attacks
on smaller targets, required a more reliable guidance method which was less
vulnerable to jamming. Fortunately, this method of laser guiding became available as
a result of an independent research effort into the effects of light amplification.

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

CHAPTER 4
COMPONENTS AND WORKING

4.1 Components

Guided missiles are made up of a series of subassemblies. The various subassemblies

form a major section of the overall missile to operate a missile system, such as guidance,
control, armament (warhead and fusing), and propulsion. The major sections are carefully
joined and connected to each other. They form the complete missile assembly. The
arrangement of major sections in the missile assembly varies, depending on the missile type.

The guidance section is the brain of the missile. It directs its maneuvers and causes
the maneuvers to be executed by the control section. The armament section carries the
explosive charge of the missile, and the fusing and firing system by which the charge is
exploded. The propulsion section provides the force that propels the missile.

4.1.1 Guidance and Control Section

The complete missile guidance system includes the electronic sensing systems that
initiate the guidance orders and the control system that carries them out. The elements for
missile guidance and missile control can be housed in the same section of the missile, or they
can be in separate sections.

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

Fig 2: Missile components

There are a number of basic guidance systems used in guided missiles. Homing-type,
air-launched, guided missiles are currently used. They use radar or infrared homing systems.
A homing guidance system is one in which the missile seeks out the target, guided by some
physical indication from the target itself. Radar reflections or thermal characteristics of
targets are possible physical influences on which homing systems are based. Homing systems
are classified as active, semiactive, and passive.

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

4.1.2 ACTIVE

In the active homing system, target illumination is supplied by a component carried in

the missile, such as a radar transmitter. The radar signals transmitted from the missile are
reflected off the target back to the receiver in the missile. These reflected signals give the
missile information such as the target's distance and speed. This information lets the guidance
section compute the correct angle of attack to intercept the target. The control section that
receives electronic commands from the guidance section controls the missile’s angle of
attack. Mechanically manipulated wings, fins, or canard control surfaces are mounted
externally on the body of the weapon. They are actuated by hydraulic, electric, or gas
generator power, or combinations of these to alter the missile's course.

Fig 3: Active homing system

4.1.3 SEMIACTIVE

In the semi active homing system, the missile gets its target illumination from an
external source, such as a transmitter carried in the launching aircraft. The receiver in the
missile receives the signals reflected off the target, computes the information, and sends

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

electronic commands to the control section. The control section functions in the same manner
as previously discussed.

Fig 4: Semi active homing system

4.1.4 PASSIVE

In the passive homing system, the directing intelligence is received from the target.
Examples of passive homing include homing on a source of infrared rays (such as the hot
exhaust of jet aircraft) or radar signals (such as those transmitted by ground radar
installations). Like active homing, passive homing is completely independent of the
launching aircraft. The missile receiver receives signals generated by the target and then the
missile control section functions in the same manner as previously discussed.

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Fig 5: Passive homing system

4.1.5 ARMAMENT SECTION

The armament system contains the payload (explosives), fusing, safety and arming
(S&A) devices, and target-detecting devices (TDDs).

4.2 WORKING

The basic principle is technically called the Semi Active Radar Homing (SARH).

In the SARH system the missile targets the reflected signal and is responsible for providing a
“lead” guidance. That is, when a pilot or a soldier shines a laser beam on the target, the target
is strike by the laser beam and it gets reflected.

Now when the LGM is released from the aircraft, it looks out for this reflected laser
beam. Once it detects the particular laser, it has been programmed to search for the target and
it uses its control to move towards the target.

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

Fig 6: Working of laser guided missile

When the LGM is carried on the aircraft, all the systems are inactive. As the bomb is
released, the safety pins and lanyards are pulled out. Once the LGM is safely away from the
aircraft, the battery starts supplying power to the detector assembly and the electronics. The
controls are unlocked and are ready to move.

As soon as the detector assembly picks up the laser reflections it locks on the target and tells
the electronic computer where the target is in relation to the LGM. This process continues
and finally the LGM hits the target.

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LASER GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM 2020-2021

CHAPTER 5

Merits of Laser Guided Missiles

 It is a lightweight weapon it can be employed by light helicopters.

 The Semi Active Laser (SAL) is relatively low cost.

 Offers high precision operational flexibility.

 Capability of effective lock-on after launch targeting.

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CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

6.1 CONCLUSION

"In World War II it could take 9,000 bombs to hit a target the size of an aircraft

shelter. Today we can do it with one laser-guided missile. Laser guided missile can be fired at

targets ranging 8 to 13 kilometers and some like Laser Homing Attack Missile (LAHAT) up

to 22 kilometers.

Though many missiles are developed, they don’t find accuracy as in reaching the

target. Laser guided will be one of the dangerous missiles in war fields in the future.

6.2 FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

Future laser guided missile systems will carry their own miniaturized laser on board,

doing away with the need for target designator lasers on aircraft. These missiles, currently

under development in several countries, are called "fire-and-forget" because a pilot can fire

one of these missiles and forget about it, relying on the missile's internal laser and detecting

sensor to guide it towards its target.

Military establishments dedicated to their missions will undoubtedly invent and

deploy even more lethal versions of laser guided missiles.

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REFERENCE

1) Wikipedia.com

2) “A dull scalpel for the surgical strike on Libya.”

3) Lenorowitz, Jeffrey M. “F-1 17s Drop Laser- Guided Bombs in destroying most

Baghdad Targets.” Aviation week and space technology.

4) Missilesthreat.com

5) Magnusson, Paul. “American Smart Bombs Foreign Brains.” Business Week

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