The Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) or AN/PEQ-16 manufactured by Insight/L3Harris is the successor to the AN/PEQ-15 which is the most widely used IR Laser Aiming Module (LAM) in the world.[1]
| MIPIM AN/PEQ-16 | |
|---|---|
 The MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16) that can be mounted to a firearm. | |
| Function(s) | Infrared Target Laser & Illuminator |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2012 – |
| Used by | |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Insight Technology |
| Manufacturer | L3Harris |
| NSN |
|
| Unit cost | ~$2,000 USD |
| Variants | MIPIM AN/PEQ-16 |
| General Specifications | |
| Dimensions (L×H×W) | 100 mm (4.1 in) x 81 mm (3.2 in) x 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Weight | 281 g (9.9 oz) |
| IR Laser Specifications | |
| IR Laser Class | IIIR (Low), IIIB (High) |
| IR Laser Output (mw) |
|
| IR Laser Divergence (mrad) | 0.5 mrad |
| IR Laser Wavelength (nm) | (840 ± 20 nm) |
| Visible Laser Specifications | |
| Visible Laser Class | IIIB |
| Visible Laser Output (mw) | 4.0 mW |
| Visible Laser Divergence (mrad) | 0.5 mrad |
| Visible Laser Wavelength (nm) | (635 ± 30 nm) |
| Visible Laser Range (m) | >25 m (82 ft) in direct sun |
| IR Illuminator Specifications | |
| IR Illuminator Class | IIIB |
| IR Illuminator Output (mw) |
|
| IR Illuminator Divergence (mrad) | 1–105 mrad (Adjustable lens) |
| IR Illuminator Wavelength (nm) | (840 ± 20 nm) |
| IR Illuminator Range (m) |
|
| Visible Flashlight Specifications | |
| Visible Light Output (lumens) | 125 |
The MIPIM is designated using the Joint Electronics Type Designation System, and designated as: AN = Army/Navy. P = Portable. E = Laser. Q = Special or Combination.[2]
The AN/PEQ-16 was introduced to the market in 2009,[3] where it began to replace the AN/PEQ-15 on US Marine Corps small arms. The PEQ-16 is a slightly different form-factor to the PEQ-15, being shorter, but larger overall. The most notable adopter of the AN/PEQ-16 as the standard infantry LAM was the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with the initial introduction of the M27 IAR to replace all M249 SAWs in USMC service, and then in 2017 the decision by the USMC Commandant for all Marine infantryman to field the M27.[4]
Design and Development
editInitial variants of the AN/PEQ-16 were designated 'alpha' with an A suffix, these initial devices were manufactured with an incandescent bulb for the white-light illuminator, while the newer B 'bravo' model uses a white-light LED.
Currently issued in the USMC, the AN/PEQ-16B helps to consolidate the number of attachments on the hand guards of infantry weapons, including the visible, and infrared lasers, an infrared illuminator, and a white-light illuminator for urban or dark environments where night vision devices may be impractical or not available. The PEQ-16 can be operated via a separate pressure pad or an integrated button pad. The PEQ-16 combines the functions of the previous PEQ-15 with a visible white-light illuminator.[1]
The PEQ-16 shares a number of features with the PEQ-15 including: waterproof polymer construction, integrated thumbscrew mount, providing a strong and repeatable lockup on M1913 (Picatinny) rails; a similar top-mounted mode selection dial. The PEQ-16 has a number of different modes of operation, including: IR Laser, IR Illuminator, Visible Laser, Visible Light. The lasers and illuminator are co-aligned and assembled into a single rotary module allowing single adjustment zeroing, with the ability to change the size of the IR Illuminator beam. The Visible light is located on the opposite side to the laser module, but cannot be activated with the laser in order to prevent white light discharge, and pollution.
As part of the M27 IAR rollout in 2011, a number of standard accessories were chosen to be included with every M27, including an AN/PEQ-16 to allow for improved night and day operations.
Operation
edit
The AN/PEQ-16 is operated using a main mode selector dial located on the top of the unit, with 9 options, each mode corresponds to a single, or a dual combination of functions, these modes are detailed in the table below. Once the mode has been selected, the activation of the pressure pad activates the function selected. The unit has an inbuilt switch, but it also has a remote cable switch socket to allow for a remote pressure pad to be located elsewhere on the rifle.
| DIAL POSITION | MODE | DESCRIPTION[5] |
|---|---|---|
| A | AIM | Visible Aim Laser ON |
| L | LIGHT | White light Illuminator ON |
| D | DUAL | Visible aim laser & White Light Illuminator ON |
| O | OFF | Prevents inadvertent laser burst |
| P | Program | Sets the desired IR pulse rate |
| AL | AIM LOW | IR Aiming Laser set to LOW |
| DL | DUAL LOW | IR Aiming Laser and Illuminator set to LOW |
| AH | AIM HIGH | IR Aiming Laser set to HIGH |
| DH | DUAL HIGH | IR Aiming Laser and IR Illuminator set to HIGH |
Comparative Specifications
editThe table below show the specification of the AN/PEQ-16 (right) compared with the AN/PEQ-15.
| AN/PEQ-15 | AN/PEQ-16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | L3Harris | L3Harris |
| Dimensions | 117 × 71 × 41 mm / 4.6" × 2.8" × 1.6" (L×W×H) | 104 × 81 × 43 mm / 4.1" × 3.2" × 1.7" (L×W×H) |
| Weight | 213 g (7.5 oz) w/ battery | 281 g (9.9 oz) w/ battery |
| Power | 1× CR123A 3-Volt battery | 2× CR123A 3-Volt batteries |
| Battery Life | >6 hours (in Dual High DH setting) | 4 hours Normal operation
(≥ 30 mins of continuous white light use) |
| Waterproof | 6 m (20 ft) for 1 hour | 6 m (20 ft) for 1 hour |
| Visible Laser | ||
| Class | IIIR | IIIR |
| Output | 5.0 mW | 4.0 mW |
| Divergence | 0.5 mrad | 0.5 mrad |
| Wavelength | Red (635 ± 15 nm) | Red (635 ± 30 nm) |
| Range | Day: >25 m (82 ft)[a] | Day: >25 m (82 ft) |
| IR Laser | ||
| Class | IIIR (Low), IIIB (High) | IIIR (Low), IIIB (High) |
| Output | Low: 0.7 mW
High: 27.5 mW |
Low: 0.6 mW
High: 25 mW |
| Divergence | 0.5 mrad | 0.5 mrad |
| Wavelength | (835 ± 15 nm) | (840 ± 20 nm) |
| Range | Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft) |
Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft) |
| IR Illuminator | ||
| Class | IIIB | IIIB |
| Output | Low: 3.5 mW
High: 45 mW[7] |
Low: 3.5 mW
High: 30 mW |
| Divergence | 1—105 mrad (Adjustable lens) | 1—105 mrad (Adjustable lens) |
| Wavelength | (835 ± 15 nm) | (840 ± 20 nm) |
| Range | Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft) |
Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft) |
| White Light Illuminator | ||
| Output Power | None | >125 lumens |
| Type | LED | |
Operators
editCurrent Operators
edit
Australia: AN/PEQ-16B supplemented at the squad level with the L3Harris Squad Rangefinder (SRF).[8][9]
United States: In use by the USMC and also fairly limited use in the US Army.
United Kingdom
Availability
editAs with a lot of military technology and accessories developed in the U.S. infrared lasers, including the PEQ-16 are controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and as such export is restricted without approval from the Department of State. Furthermore as a 'class IIIB' IR laser pointer, under FDA regulations, sales of the PEQ-16 are generally restricted to government and law enforcement agencies and units.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ a b "Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Joint Electronics Type Designation System", Wikipedia, 27 October 2023, retrieved 12 November 2023
- ^ "The AN/PEQ-16A is Coming - Soldier Systems Daily". 10 April 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ Pike, Travis (8 September 2022). "Goodbye M16: A Look at the Modern Marine Infantry Rifle M27". www.pewpewtactical.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ TC 3–22.9 | Rifle and Carbine (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. 1 May 2016. pp. 3–23 to 3–25.
- ^ "PEO Soldier | Portfolio – PM-SMPT – Multifunction Aiming Light (MFAL)". Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "AN/PEQ-15; ATPIAL Spec Sheet" (PDF). l3harris.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ "Australian Army Adopts L-3 Squad Laser Range Finder –". The Firearm Blog. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "New night fighting edge under the Ninox replacement – Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "L3Harris MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16B)". Tactical Night Vision Company. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ Health, Center for Devices and Radiological (3 November 2018). "Important Information for Laser Pointer Manufacturers". FDA.