Perkin-Elmer AN/AVD-2 Compass Count RF-4C Laser Reconnaissance System/Camera

During the period May, 1969, - April, 1970, the optical cameras were removed from six RF-4C aircraft and replaced with the AN/AVD-2 Laser Imaging System. This system was capable of high resolution photos of target areas during complete darkness without use of conventional illumination techniques. The aircraft and service facilities were based at Udorn. The system included several components: a one-watt CW gas laser, a power supply, a servo unit, a heat exchanger, and an optical unit. The intention was to sweep the laser beam perpendicular to the flight path in a raster-like pattern, and detect the reflected beam and record that on a 5” wide film strip. The film would later be developed and photo-interpreted. The typical flight was low altitude, nighttime, and clear weather.