OVERVIEW: The AN/AVQ-9 Pave Light is an airborne laser target designator, designed to improve day time/visual conditions attack capabilities.

DETAILS: The AN/AVQ-9 Pave Light was a small lensed box used by F-4 PHANTOMs.  The AN/AVQ-9 was affixed to the interior left side of the rear-seater’s canopy.  The designator contained a crosshair telescope used to keep the  laser on target.  The carrying plane flew in a left bank over the target while the rear-seater operated the Pave Light. This meant that the AN/AVQ-9-equipped aircraft could not carry any guided bombs; these were delivered by accompanying aircraft. 
 

NOTES: Entered service in the late 1960s.  Nicknamed the "Zot Box" in USAF service. A dangerous feature was that the rear-seater could not eject with the AN/AVQ-9 mounted.  Used by United States, Iran 


SOURCES:  http://www.harpoondatabases.com/encyclopedia/Entry2438.aspx.
 





