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Pave Penny
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II's Pave Penny pod.

The Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny is a laser spot tracker carried by US Air Force attack aircraft and fighter-bombers enabling them to track a laser spot on the ground. It is a receiver only, allowing the pilot to see which targets are marked by a laser designator.

Pave Penny does not produce a laser beam and cannot be used to designate targets, designed for use with laser designators on the ground or on other aircraft. PAVE was later used as an backronym meaning Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment.[1]

Description

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Developed in the mid-1970s, Pave Penny was based on the earlier AN/AVQ-11 Pave Sword laser tracker used on USAF F-4 Phantom IIs during the Vietnam War, miniaturized using solid-state electronics.

The compact 31 in (79 cm) pod weighing only 32 lb (15 kg) is a simple laser spot tracker that searches for reflected laser light from other laser designators (used by friendly air or ground forces) and displays that target information on the aircraft heads-up display (HUD). Unlike the laser ranger and marked target seeker systems common to European aircraft, or the more sophisticated AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR, TIALD, and LANTIRN designators, Pave Penny does not contain a laser. It can recognize specific laser designation signals based on pre-determined four-digit codes encoded into the laser pulse, allowing it to seek out particular targets and ignore others (to avoid, for example, several aircraft hitting the same target). There is no range-finding capability. The Pave Penny's nominal range is 20 mi (32 km), although effective range is considerably shorter.

The Pave Penny pod was used by USAF A-7D Corsair II aircraft, fuselage-mounted beneath the engine intake, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, mounted on an external pylon designed specifically for the pod. It was also previously used by some F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft,[2] although most now use the LANTIRN system instead permitting self-designation. Some Pave Penny pods were also supplied to Singapore, where they were used on A-4SU Super Skyhawks.[citation needed]

See also

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Citations

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  1. ^ "PAVE". Aerofiles.com. Archived from the original on Feb 15, 2003. Retrieved 2013-06-23.
  2. ^ "F-16 Versions - F-16C/D". www.f-16.net. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
[edit]
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Pave Penny

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The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny is a pod-mounted spot tracker system developed for to detect and home in on -designated , enabling pilots to deliver precision-guided munitions such as -guided bombs without directly designating the target themselves. Introduced in the late , it functions as a passive receiver that senses reflected energy from ground or airborne designators, providing symbology for and steering guidance via the heads-up display. The system enhances and battlefield interdiction missions by allowing engagement of both stationary and moving at ranges up to approximately 20 miles, though its effectiveness depends on the spot entering the seeker's . Developed by what is now , the Pave Penny program began in the early 1970s, with initial deliveries to the USAF occurring in 1977 for integration on the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. It was later adapted for the A-7 Corsair II in 1980 and exported to for use on A-4 Skyhawk jets in the mid-, with total production reaching about 833 units by the late before manufacturing ceased. Technically, the pod measures 83.31 cm in length and 20.32 cm in diameter, weighs 14.51 kg, and employs a quadrant PIN diode sensor sensitive to 1.06-micron lasers, offering scan coverage from -90° to +15° in and -90° to +90° in , with in-flight selectable codes for secure operation. Power requirements include 115 V AC and 28 V DC at less than 10 amps, making it compatible with legacy fighter-bombers. Primarily associated with the A-10, the Pave Penny pod mounts externally under the aircraft's nose or fuselage and integrates with weapons systems to cue laser-guided ordnance like bombs, while also supporting visual acquisition for unguided attacks. It has been employed in various conflicts since the 1980s, including Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom, where it facilitated rapid target designation in contested environments. Although still listed in some A-10C Thunderbolt II fact sheets as an equipped capability, the system has largely been supplanted by advanced targeting pods like the and LITENING systems, which offer integrated laser designation alongside tracking. Variants include the ASQ-173 for F/A-18 Hornets and proposed upgrades for F-16s, but no major modernizations have been pursued due to the pod's aging technology and support challenges.

Overview

System Description

The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny is a pod-mounted spot tracker pod designed for U.S. and fighter-bombers. It functions as a passive, receiver-only that detects and tracks laser-designated ground targets by sensing reflected energy from external designators. The core mechanism relies on a gimbaled telescope equipped with a silicon quadrant PIN diode sensor operating at a wavelength of 1.06 microns, allowing it to scan the ground in operator-selectable patterns such as wide, narrow, depressed, or offset modes. This enables the pod to cover elevation angles from -90° to +15° and azimuth angles from -90° to +90°, providing day or night detection beyond visual range. The system processes incoming laser signals to determine precise target location without emitting its own laser beam. In operation, the Pave Penny facilitates precision strikes by allowing pilots to home in on designated spots for delivery of laser-guided munitions, integrating target data with the aircraft's heads-up display (HUD) and weapons delivery computer for automatic release cues. It forms part of the broader series of U.S. targeting systems developed for enhanced precision engagement. Key components include a receiver pod featuring a dome for , electronics for and (BITE), a control detector adapter for and , and a control panel for operator interface. The pod measures approximately 20.32 cm in diameter and 83.31 cm in length, weighing 14.51 kg, and requires 115 V AC and 28 V DC power with less than 10 amps draw.

Operational Role

The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny serves as a passive spot tracker pod primarily designed to enable to detect and acquire targets illuminated by external laser designators during (CAS) and battlefield missions. By sensing reflected laser energy from ground forces, forward air controllers, or cooperating , it facilitates the precise delivery of laser-guided munitions, such as the bomb, allowing pilots to engage designated targets without direct visual confirmation. This system provides significant tactical advantages in coordinated laser-guided attacks, including day/night and adverse weather operation through its sensitivity to reflected pulses, as well as beyond-visual-range that enhances aircraft survivability by permitting standoff engagements. To mitigate risks of in multi-target environments, Pave Penny employs cockpit-selectable four-digit (PRF) codes—ranging from 1111 to 1788—that allow distinction among multiple laser spots from different designators, ensuring accurate target handoff and selective engagement. In pilot workflow, the pod integrates seamlessly by overlaying target and cues on the heads-up display (HUD), guiding the aircraft toward the laser spot for weapons release or visual verification, thereby streamlining the transition from designation to attack in dynamic scenarios. This HUD symbology supports automated release modes on compatible platforms, reducing pilot workload during high-threat CAS operations. A key limitation of Pave Penny's operational role is its reliance on external laser sources for designation, as it lacks inherent rangefinding or illuminator capabilities, necessitating close coordination with designator operators to maintain spot visibility within the pod's for effective tracking. Additionally, environmental factors such as obscurants can degrade reflected energy detection, underscoring the need for verified target identification through supplementary means to avoid errors in joint fire support.

Development

Historical Origins

The Pave Penny, designated AN/AAS-35(V), originated as part of the Air Force's Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment () program, initiated in the late 1960s to address limitations in night and all-weather targeting during the . This initiative aimed to integrate advanced electro-optical systems for improved precision in air-to-ground munitions delivery, building on early experiments with laser-guided bombs like the and GBU-10 series tested from 1968 onward. The system evolved directly from the AN/AVQ-11 Pave Sword pod, which was deployed on F-4 Phantom II aircraft for and missions throughout the (1965–1973). The Pave Sword provided essential spot tracking but was hampered by reliability issues inherent to its vacuum-tube electronics, including sensitivity to environmental factors and maintenance challenges in combat conditions. These shortcomings highlighted the need for a more robust tracker to support evolving post-Vietnam doctrines emphasizing and battlefield interdiction. In the mid-1970s, the USAF identified a critical requirement for an upgraded spot tracker featuring solid-state components to enhance reliability and compactness while maintaining compatibility with existing laser designators. This led to the program's formalization, with initial development focused on miniaturizing the tracking technology for broader aircraft integration and sustained operational tempo. The effort was driven by lessons from , where accurate, real-time proved vital for minimizing and maximizing weapon effectiveness. The USAF awarded an initial contract to (now ) in the mid-1970s to develop the upgrade, marking the start of Pave Penny's engineering phase. This funding supported prototyping and testing, culminating in the first operational units by 1977, and represented a key step in transitioning from analog vacuum-tube systems to more durable digital architectures in tactical aviation.

Design Evolution

The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny laser spot tracker evolved through key engineering advancements in the early , focusing on a compact pod design with a gimbaled and detector assembly that supported operator-selectable scan patterns for wide, narrow, depressed, or offset modes to enhance flexibility. This iteration incorporated , including a quadrant detector, which improved system reliability, minimized size and weight, and ensured robust operation in electromagnetic interference (EMI)-heavy and harsh environmental conditions through features like nitrogen pressurization and shielding. Development began in the early , with prototypes undergoing testing in the mid- that validated detection at extended ranges and integration compatibility; the first operational units were delivered to the US Air Force for A-10 aircraft in 1977, achieving full operational capability by the early 1980s after additional funding in 1980 enabled A-7D adaptations and further evaluations. Lockheed Martin (formerly Lockheed) manufactured the Pave Penny, producing an estimated 833 units for the USAF inventory, with production concluding by the mid-1980s to meet requirements across multiple platforms. Extensive ground and in the late and early prioritized code selectivity to identify specific (PRF) codes from designators, alongside seamless heads-up display (HUD) integration for real-time target cueing and weapons delivery. By the , the system received certification for deployment on diverse aircraft types, including the A-10, A-7, and F-16, demonstrating its versatility in tactical scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics

The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny pod features compact dimensions of 32.8 inches (83.31 cm) in length and 8 inches (20.32 cm) in diameter, enabling easy integration on various platforms. Its construction weighs 32 pounds (14.5 kg), minimizing impact on performance and payload capacity. The pod employs a streamlined, external pod-style that attaches to standard weapon pylons or fuselage stations, typically via an adapter pylon for secure mounting during flight. Power is drawn directly from the host , with requirements of 115 V AC and 28 V DC at less than 10 amps to support sensor operations. Data interfacing occurs through a control detector adapter, which handles power distribution, signal conversion, and (BITE) to relay information to displays. Environmental durability is achieved through nitrogen pressurization to prevent optical fogging, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for internal components, and a protective clear polycarbonate dome over the optics with a 4-inch radius, rendering the pod suitable for high-g maneuvers and extreme temperature conditions encountered by tactical jets. The solid-state electronics enhance its reliability and compactness compared to earlier vacuum-tube-based systems.

Detection and Tracking Capabilities

The AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny operates as a passive spot tracker, detecting reflected from designated without emitting its own signal, enabling day and night operations across various environmental conditions. Its nominal detection range is 20 miles (32 km) for spots on standard-sized , though effective performance can be reduced by factors such as adverse , masking, or low return. The demonstrates high sensitivity, capable of acquiring -designated beyond the pilot's visual range, particularly for stationary or moving measuring approximately 2.3 by 2.3 meters. It is tuned to standard wavelengths, including the Nd:YAG at 1064 nm (1.06 microns), ensuring compatibility with common ground- and air-based designators. For tracking, the Pave Penny employs a silicon quadrant detector, which provides precise measurements of and angles relative to the aircraft's boresight by analyzing the distribution of incoming photons across its four quadrants. The detector provides scan coverage from -90° to +15° in and -90° to +90° in , with operator-selectable scan patterns including wide, narrow, depressed, and offset modes. This configuration allows continuous tracking of laser-painted targets, even during aircraft evasive maneuvers, while supporting target discrimination through cockpit-selectable 4-digit (PRF) codes that match specific settings. The system supports all standard 4-digit PRF codes, selectable in the to match specific designators, enabling target discrimination in various scenarios. Display integration occurs via the aircraft's head-up display (HUD), where the system overlays real-time target symbology, including a laser track symbol indicating the spot's location relative to the boresight and steering cues for precise target acquisition and weapon delivery. This symbology supports automated release functions on compatible platforms, providing pilots with immediate visual feedback on target alignment without requiring additional instrumentation. The passive design ensures the laser spot must enter the seeker's field of view for detection, limiting acquisition to line-of-sight opportunities but minimizing vulnerability to counter-detection.

Operational Use

Integration with Aircraft

The Pave Penny pod was integrated on the A-7D Corsair II, where it was fuselage-mounted beneath the engine air intake to provide an unobstructed forward field of view for laser spot tracking. This mounting configuration allowed seamless compatibility with the aircraft's existing suite, requiring no significant structural modifications. On the A-10A Thunderbolt II, the pod was adapted for pylon mounting on the right side of the forward , below the , enabling effective detection of laser-designated targets during missions. The integration leveraged the aircraft's standard weapon stations, with the pod interfacing directly with the heads-up display (HUD) to cue pilots on target location via symbology overlays. In export applications, the incorporated the Pave Penny on its A-4SU Super Skyhawk mounted in the nose, enhancing precision strike capabilities with laser-guided bombs. This adaptation, derived from the base A-4S platform, aligned with the pod's versatile mounting options and avionics compatibility, including HUD cueing for . The system featured selectable codes to match ground or airborne designators, ensuring reliable operation in diverse tactical environments.

Combat Applications

During the 1991 , the AN/AAS-35 Pave Penny pod was extensively utilized by A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to track laser-designated Iraqi targets illuminated by ground-based Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and forward air controllers. This enabled precise delivery of missiles and laser-guided bombs against armored columns, artillery, and fortifications in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations, with A-10s firing 4,801 Mavericks—accounting for 90% of the campaign's total—and contributing to the confirmed destruction of 987 tanks, 926 artillery pieces, and 1,355 combat vehicles across 8,034 sorties. The pod's passive laser detection enhanced strike accuracy from altitudes of 10,000 to 20,000 feet, supporting both and battlefield under dynamic conditions. In the during the 1990s, particularly Operation Allied Force in 1999, Pave Penny-equipped A-10s provided against Serb forces in , verifying laser spots from allied aircraft such as CF-18s and F-15Es to guide munitions onto mobile armor, like 2S1 pieces, and command posts. Operating from bases in , A-10s flew over 3,500 sorties totaling more than 15,000 hours, using the pod to confirm target illumination with specific laser codes (e.g., 1633) amid threats from surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft , while adhering to strict to avoid civilian casualties. Notable applications included coordinating strikes on Serb convoys near and near Gnjilane, often in tandem with unmanned systems like Predators for enhanced . Singapore's integrated Pave Penny laser tracking capabilities on upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawk aircraft for training and regional exercises, though no documented major combat deployments exist.

Legacy and Retirement

Phasing Out in Service

The phasing out of the AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny pod from (USAF) service began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by aircraft modernization programs that prioritized more versatile targeting systems. Although Pave Penny saw limited, experimental integration on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft—such as a brief 1990 conversion for the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing's role—the advanced LITENING II targeting pod commenced integration in 1999 with and Air Force Reserve Command units, providing combined navigation, targeting, and laser designation capabilities that rendered dedicated laser spot trackers like Pave Penny redundant. On the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the pod's retirement accelerated with the A-10C Precision Engagement upgrade program, initiated in 2005, which removed the Pave Penny and its pylon starting around 2007 as aircraft transitioned to operational status beginning in 2006; by the early 2010s, it had been completely phased out across the A-10 fleet in favor of multi-role systems like the LITENING or advanced targeting pods, with no frontline use as of 2025. Key factors contributing to the retirement included the pod's technological obsolescence—limited to passive laser spot detection without imaging or designation features—and escalating maintenance demands on its aging , which became uneconomical compared to integrated, multi-function alternatives. Export operators extended the pod's service life modestly; the employed it on upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawk until their retirement in 2005.

Successors and Influence

The AN/AAS-35 Pave Penny laser spot tracker pod, despite its limited use on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, was succeeded by the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night () system, consisting of the AN/AAQ-13 navigation pod and AN/AAQ-14 targeting pod, which provided integrated terrain-following navigation, (FLIR) imaging, and laser designation capabilities starting in the late 1980s. These pods enabled self-contained night and adverse-weather operations, expanding beyond the Pave Penny's passive tracking role to include active target illumination for precision-guided munitions. On the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the Pave Penny was replaced in the A-10C upgrade program during the 2000s with advanced targeting pods such as the AN/AAQ-28 Litening and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper, which integrate FLIR sensors, laser designation, and spot tracking into a single multifunctional unit for enhanced . These systems offer superior resolution, laser ranging, and capabilities compared to the Pave Penny's receive-only design, allowing pilots to designate and track targets independently while supporting joint terminal attack controllers. The Pave Penny's design influenced subsequent passive/active hybrid targeting systems by demonstrating the viability of pod-mounted laser spot trackers for cooperative engagement with ground or airborne designators. This concept extended to export variants, such as those integrated into allied air forces' aircraft, including Singapore's A-4 Skyhawks, where similar tracker technology supported delivery. Its core function of detecting reflected energy at 1.06 microns via a gimbaled quadrant detector paved the way for more versatile pods like the ASQ-173 on the F/A-18 Hornet. Technologically, the Pave Penny's use of solid-state silicon detectors and EMI-shielded electronics contributed to the reliability of in later U.S. programs, including those enabling seamless integration of precision munitions like the (JDAM) with targeting pods for terminal guidance in mixed GPS/ environments. This solid-state approach reduced size, weight, and power demands—limiting the pod to 32 pounds—setting standards for compact, rugged sensor systems in high-vibration aircraft operations.

References

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