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AN/PEQ-16

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MIPIM AN/PEQ-16
an isometric angle color photo of an AN/PEQ-16 looking from the top front right
The MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16) that can be mounted to a firearm.
Function(s)Infrared Target Laser & Illuminator
Service history
In service2012 –
Used by
Wars
Production history
DesignerInsight Technology
ManufacturerL3Harris
NSN
  • 5855-01-577-7174 (tan)
  • 5855-01-534-5931 (black)
Unit cost~$2,000 USD
VariantsMIPIM 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)
Weight281 g (9.9 oz)
IR Laser Specifications
IR Laser ClassIIIR (Low), IIIB (High)
IR Laser Output (mw)
  • Low: 0.6 mW
  • High: 25 mW
IR Laser Divergence (mrad)0.5 mrad
IR Laser Wavelength (nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
Visible Laser Specifications
Visible Laser ClassIIIB
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 ClassIIIB
IR Illuminator Output (mw)
  • Low: 3.5 mW
  • High: 30 mW
IR Illuminator Divergence (mrad)1–105 mrad (Adjustable lens)
IR Illuminator Wavelength (nm)(840 ± 20 nm)
IR Illuminator Range (m)
  • Low: >600 m (1,969 ft)
  • High: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
Visible Flashlight Specifications
Visible Light Output (lumens)125

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]

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

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Initial 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

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US Marine attaches bayonet to his M27 IAR with a AN/PEQ-16 attached.
Australian Army dog handler with a AN/PEQ-16 attached to his rifle.

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

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The 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
  1. ^ Not in direct sunlight[6]

Operators

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Current Operators

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Availability

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As with most military technology and accessories produced in the U.S. infrared laser including the PEQ-16 is controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and as such export is restricted without approval from the Department of State. Furthermore as an IR laser pointer of class IIIB, under FDA regulations, sales of the PEQ-16 are generally restricted to government and law enforcement agencies and units.[10][11]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  2. ^ "Joint Electronics Type Designation System", Wikipedia, 27 October 2023, retrieved 12 November 2023
  3. ^ "The AN/PEQ-16A is Coming - Soldier Systems Daily". 10 April 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  4. ^ Pike, Travis (8 September 2022). "Goodbye M16: A Look at the Modern Marine Infantry Rifle M27". www.pewpewtactical.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  5. ^ TC 3–22.9 | Rifle and Carbine (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. 1 May 2016. pp. 3–23 to 3–25.
  6. ^ "PEO Soldier | Portfolio – PM-SMPT – Multifunction Aiming Light (MFAL)". Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  7. ^ "AN/PEQ-15; ATPIAL Spec Sheet" (PDF). l3harris.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Australian Army Adopts L-3 Squad Laser Range Finder –". The Firearm Blog. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  9. ^ "New night fighting edge under the Ninox replacement – Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  10. ^ "L3Harris MIPIM (AN/PEQ-16B)". Tactical Night Vision Company. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  11. ^ Health, Center for Devices and Radiological (3 November 2018). "Important Information for Laser Pointer Manufacturers". FDA.

See Also

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