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AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike

Note: This item is currently in storage.

Pave Spike is a 420-pound electro-optical laser designator pod used to direct laser-guided bombs to target in day, visual conditions. The second generation Pave Spike was developed from the AN/AVQ-10 Pave Knife targeting pod that first saw operational use in Southeast Asia. USAF F-4D and F-4E aircraft used the Pave Spike from 1974 until 1989. This system was also used by the RAF on Buccaneer aircraft for precision bombing of enemy targets in Operation Desert Storm. USAF aircraft used follow-on laser designator systems such as Pave Tack (F-111F) and LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed system for Night) (F-15E), which also provided a night attack capability.

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