LDR80K1 vs LDR80K2: 10km or 15km Designator?
Both modules sit in the 80 mJ class. The difference that matters is divergence: 0.30 mrad for the LDR80K1, 0.15 mrad for the LDR80K2. That factor of two changes what the module can do at range.
Specification comparison
| Parameter | LDR80K1 | LDR80K2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse energy | ≥ 80 mJ class | not published |
| Beam divergence | ≤ 0.30 mrad | ≤ 0.15 mrad |
| Mass | ≤ 680 g | ≤ 850 g |
| Envelope | 116 × 52 × 90 mm | ≤ 150 × 102 × 55 mm |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm | 1064 nm |
What 0.15 mrad buys you
| Range | LDR80K1 spot (0.30 mrad) | LDR80K2 spot (0.15 mrad) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 1.5 m | 0.75 m |
| 10 km | 3.0 m | 1.5 m |
| 15 km | 4.5 m | 2.25 m |
| 20 km | 6.0 m | 3.0 m |
At 15 km on a 2 m target, the LDR80K1's 4.5 m spot puts roughly (2/4.5)² ≈ 20% of the energy on target. The LDR80K2's 2.25 m spot puts roughly (2/2.25)² ≈ 79%. Same class of laser, nearly four times the useful energy on a small target.
That is what 15 km class means in practice — and why the LDR80K2 exists despite the extra 170 g.
The envelope trade
The LDR80K2 is 150 × 102 × 55 mm — a flat, wide package. The LDR80K1 is 116 × 52 × 90 mm — narrow and tall.
On a gimbal with a low-profile mounting plate, the flat LDR80K2 may fit where the tall LDR80K1 will not. On a narrow turret, the reverse.
Which to choose
| If you need | Choose |
|---|---|
| 10 km against vehicle-sized targets | LDR80K1 |
| 15 km against small targets | LDR80K2 |
| Lowest mass in the class | LDR80K1 (680 g) |
| Flat, wide mounting envelope | LDR80K2 (55 mm tall) |
| Best mismatch tolerance to gimbal jitter | LDR80K1 (wider beam) |
Note the last row: a wider beam is more forgiving of pointing error. On a gimbal with more than 0.15 mrad residual jitter, the LDR80K2's tight beam buys nothing — the beam walks off the target anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Is the LDR80K2 a 15 km module?
It is specified with 0.15 mrad divergence, which supports 15 km class performance against vehicle-sized targets in clear air. As always, maximum range depends on target, atmosphere and receiver.
Does the LDR80K2 have more pulse energy?
Pulse energy is not published for the LDR80K2. Its advantage comes from divergence, not from more energy.
Which is better for a helicopter turret?
The LDR80K2 is often the better fit: 0.15 mrad for long-range work at 850 g rather than 2 kg.
Can I use the LDR80K1 at 15 km?
Against a large target in good visibility, yes. Against a small target, the wider spot limits the useful energy on target.
Compare on the designator collection, or read beam divergence explained.