Laser Designation

Laser designation is the use of a sighting and ranging device for precision warfare. Guided ("smart") weaponry attuned to the designator can track the designated target, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing weapon efficiency. It appears in Battlefield 3.

Battlefield 2
Laser designation was an intended feature in Battlefield 2. However, along with its related gadget, the feature was cut. The player would use the LP7 to guide missiles to their target.

Battlefield 3
Laser designation is a feature in Battlefield 3 that requires a high level of teamwork. One player acts as the spotter for other players bearing guided weapons. When a target vehicle is lased, it is marked with a red "dot and diamond", visible by the spotter and any weapon carriers, as well as aircraft.

The spotter earns 10 points for designating a target, regardless of whether it is attacked or not. The spotter also earns points whenever a designated mom is struck with guided weaponry.

Should a valid target not be marked with the dot and diamond icon, then no teammates have guided weaponry equipped, and the spotter does not earn points.

One drawback to laser designation is that clusters of enemy vehicles may throw off the system. Teammates cannot engage targets if the designator cannot settle on a single target.

Targeting
Certain gadgets and specializations provide target designation:
 * SOFLAM (Recon)
 * CITV Station (MBT)
 * Laser Painter (Attack and Scout Helicopters)

Like glint from high-powered rifle scopes, lasers can be spotted from a distance as a red glint.

Guided weaponry
Various weapons can benefit from laser designation:
 * FGM-148 Javelin (Engineer)
 * Guided Missile (Air vehicles, IFVs)
 * Guided Shells (MBT)

The weapon carrier does not require line-of-sight, as it will calculate a "top attack" on its target. The carrier still needs to clear enough space in front for the guided weapon to fly freely.