AG (Air-to-ground)

Last updated on Feb 24, 2023

Air-to-ground (AG) refers to any type of communication, weapons or sensors that are utilized by aircraft against targets on the ground. Air-to-ground operations are critical in modern warfare, allowing military forces to strike enemy targets with precision from the air. There are a variety of air-to-ground weapons and sensors, including missiles, bombs, and reconnaissance systems, which can be used to gather intelligence, disrupt enemy operations, or destroy critical infrastructure.

Air-to-ground operations have a long history, dating back to the first use of airplanes in warfare during World War I. Initially, aircraft were used primarily for reconnaissance purposes, providing aerial surveillance of enemy positions and troop movements. However, as technology improved, aircraft were equipped with weapons, allowing them to strike targets on the ground with greater accuracy and effectiveness.

Today, air-to-ground operations are an essential component of modern military tactics. They enable military forces to target enemy positions from the air, minimizing the risk to ground troops and reducing collateral damage. In this article, we will explore the various types of air-to-ground weapons and sensors, as well as their capabilities and limitations.

Types of Air-to-Ground Weapons

There are a variety of air-to-ground weapons that can be used in different scenarios depending on the specific mission requirements. These weapons range from precision-guided bombs to long-range missiles, and they can be dropped or fired from various types of aircraft. The following are some of the most commonly used air-to-ground weapons:

Precision-guided Bombs

Precision-guided bombs (PGBs) are bombs that are guided to their targets by a variety of guidance systems, such as GPS, laser, or infrared (IR) guidance. PGBs are often used to strike high-value targets, such as enemy command and control centers or critical infrastructure, with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage. PGBs can be carried by a variety of aircraft, from fighter jets to bombers.

Rocket Pods

Rocket pods are multiple rocket launchers that can be mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles. Rocket pods can fire a large number of unguided rockets at once, making them effective against targets such as buildings or enemy troop concentrations. They are often used in ground attack missions, where the aircraft must quickly engage multiple targets.

Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs)

Air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) are long-range missiles that are designed to strike ground targets. They can be guided by a variety of guidance systems, such as GPS, laser, or infrared (IR) guidance. ASMs are often used to strike high-value targets such as enemy air defense systems or critical infrastructure from a safe distance. ASMs can be carried by a variety of aircraft, from fighters to bombers.

Unguided Bombs

Unguided bombs are bombs that are dropped from an aircraft without any guidance system. They are often used to strike targets such as enemy troop concentrations or buildings. Unguided bombs are less accurate than PGBs, but they can be effective against less critical targets, and they are less expensive.

Gun Pods

Gun pods are pods that can be mounted on aircraft and contain a cannon or machine gun. They are often used for close air support missions, where the aircraft must engage targets in close proximity to friendly troops. Gun pods can be effective against enemy troops and vehicles, but they are less effective against hardened targets.

Types of Air-to-Ground Sensors

In addition to weapons, aircraft can be equipped with a variety of sensors that can be used to gather intelligence or provide targeting information. These sensors range from radar to electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and they can be used to identify and track enemy targets. The following are some of the most commonly used air-to-ground sensors:

Aperture (SAR)

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a type of radar that uses a large antenna to create a high-resolution image of the ground. SAR can be used to detect and track enemy vehicles, troops, and infrastructure, even in difficult weather conditions such as rain or fog. SAR images can also be used to create 3D maps of terrain, which can be used for mission planning and navigation.

Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors

Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) sensors are cameras that can capture images in visible light, infrared, or both. These sensors can be used to identify and track enemy targets, even in low light conditions. EO/IR sensors can also be used to detect the heat signature of vehicles or buildings, which can be used to identify hidden enemy positions.

Laser Designators

Laser designators are devices that emit a laser beam that can be used to designate a target for a precision-guided weapon. The laser beam is directed onto the target, and the guidance system of the weapon follows the laser beam to the target. Laser designators are often used in combination with PGBs or ASMs to strike high-value targets with high accuracy.

Inertial navigation systems (INS) are systems that use accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine the position, velocity, and orientation of an aircraft. INS can be used to navigate an aircraft to a target location with high accuracy, even in areas where GPS signals are blocked or jammed. INS can also be used to guide weapons to their targets.

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Systems

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems are aircraft that are equipped with a large radar antenna that can detect and track enemy aircraft and missiles at long ranges. AEW&C aircraft can provide early warning to friendly aircraft or ground forces of incoming threats, allowing them to take evasive action or prepare for an attack. AEW&C aircraft can also provide targeting information to friendly aircraft or ground forces.

Limitations of Air-to-Ground Operations

Air-to-ground operations have a number of limitations that must be taken into account when planning and executing missions. These limitations include:

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions such as rain, fog, or cloud cover can significantly impact the effectiveness of air-to-ground operations. Poor visibility can make it difficult to identify and track targets, and can increase the risk of collateral damage.

Air Defense Systems

Enemy air defense systems, such as surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) or anti-aircraft guns, can pose a significant threat to aircraft conducting air-to-ground operations. These systems can shoot down aircraft or force them to operate at higher altitudes, reducing their effectiveness.

Limited Range and Payload

Aircraft conducting air-to-ground operations have limited range and payload, which can limit their ability to strike targets at long ranges or carry large weapons. This can require the use of multiple aircraft or the deployment of other types of weapons, such as cruise missiles or artillery.

Limited Persistence

Aircraft conducting air-to-ground operations have limited persistence, which means they can only remain on station for a limited amount of time before they must return to base to refuel and rearm. This can limit their ability to conduct sustained operations or respond quickly to emerging threats.

Conclusion

Air-to-ground operations are a critical component of modern military tactics, allowing military forces to strike enemy targets with precision from the air. These operations rely on a variety of weapons and sensors, ranging from precision-guided bombs to electro-optical and infrared sensors. However, air-to-ground operations also have a number of limitations, such as weather conditions, enemy air defense systems, limited range and payload, and limited persistence. These limitations must be taken into account when planning and executing air-to-ground missions.

Despite these limitations, air-to-ground operations continue to play a vital role in modern warfare. The ability to strike enemy targets with precision from the air can provide a significant advantage on the battlefield, allowing military forces to disrupt enemy operations and degrade their capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, air-to-ground operations will likely become even more effective, with new weapons and sensors providing even greater precision and situational awareness.