Laser range finder for Commanders (Assets)

[Coalz101]

I've been doing some reading about the BTR82AM and I was thinking to myself, why doesn't the 82AM have a lase range finder, after all its a combined modernized version of the BTR 80 and 82A, and during my reading I found out that: YES the 82AM has a laser range finder, but it's controlled by the commander and not the gunner. (Sources: 1, 2, 3)

So with that info In mind why don't we allow the Commander seat in vehicles which have laser range finders be able to use it and help the gunner in ranging his shot. It will improve the already required teamwork between drivers and gunners especially in vehicles that don't have gunner laser range finders.

[Mats391]

This is something we have been researching ever since the 82AM got introduced. It is unclear how the laser actually works, whether it really is used for range finding or just illumination and if it would have any usable accuracy.

[Coalz101]

Well they do classify it as a rangefinder rather than something for just illumination. I doubt there's any documentation about it other than just those numbers. All the information on military equipment will never be released until they are completely phased out by those countries.

[agus92]

I found the following source: http://xn--80aajzhcnfck0a.xn--p1ai/Publ ... 361664.pdf

I believe it's an official document from the manufacturer.

Google translation:

The TKN-AI device is a periscope device that installed in a standard seat above the commander's seat in T72 tanks, T64, T62, T55 as well as in self-propelled guns, infantry fighting vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The device has a daylight 4.75x binocular and night active-pulse 5x channels. The night channel has passive, anti-jamming and active-pulse modes. Image intensifier generation 2+
provides passive operation under natural night illumination from stars.
The anti-jamming mode ensures the operability of the device at increased illumination (up to twilight) and the presence of light interference (bonfires, headlights, etc.) for due to the impulse power supply of the image intensifier tube, which reduces its gain.

Active-pulse mode uses a pulsed laser illumination, synchronized with the electronic shutter of the image intensifier tube through an adjustable time delay. This mode cuts off the parasitic effect of backscattering in atmosphere and allows you to significantly increase the range, especially in conditions of dust, smoke or fog. Active-pulse mode allows, also, measure the range to the target with an accuracy of 20 m and detect optoelectronic enemy devices at a distance of up to 3000 m.

FSUE PO NPZ is the only company in Russia that produces active-pulse devices.

To me it seems like it is indeed a range finder.

[Mats391]

Yes, this is mentioned in a couple of places, but we also found these instructions regarding how to use the range-finding:
https://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/viewtopic.ph ... 2#p1396492

Translation

- change mode to S
- rotate wheel "range roughly" from minimal distance until target is seen
- rotate wheel "range precises" until target disappears
when target disappears, read range numbers

This makes it more look like an optical way of determining the range rather than actual laser range finder. Optical range finding (outside of stadia lines) is something we do not represent in game and probably can never truthfully represent. For example another vehicle that has such optical range finding features would be the M48 with its two "eyes" on each side of turret. The way this range finding works is simply not possible in game.

[SShadowFox]

Wouldn't it be possible to make it like the way laser rangefinders work, but with a delay?

[Coalz101]

Yes, this is mentioned in a couple of places, but we also found these instructions regarding how to use the range-finding:
https://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/viewtopic.ph ... 2#p1396492

Is the strobing mode the same as active pulse which was mentioned in the document agus sent.

found this video in the forums you sent

[Mats391]

That is not the TKN-AI. The post talks about "B3" which might refer to the T72B3

[Morrislee]

I think it would be useful for commander sight be able to use the laser range finder and laze for the CAS