Which equipment marks night LZ?

• A. Flight panel
• B. Smoke
• C. IR Buzzsaw or NATO 'Y'
• D. Strobe light

Answer: (C)

Marking a night LZ relies on signals that pilots with night vision gear can pick up without giving away the location to anyone without NVGs. An infrared beacon fits this need perfectly, because it emits energy in the infrared spectrum that isn't visible to the naked eye but stands out clearly to night-vision devices. The infrared Buzzsaw is a specific, high-intensity IR beacon designed to designate a landing zone at night, providing a bright, unmistakable cue for helicopters as they approach. The NATO Y marking is another infrared configuration that forms a distinctive pattern visible through NVGs, helping pilots confirm the exact LZ and approach path. These IR methods keep the marking covert and reliable in darkness, which is why they’re used for night LZ designation.

Other options don’t fit as well. A flight panel isn’t a conventional method for marking an LZ. Smoke can reveal the location and obscure vision, especially at night, making it unreliable for precise placement. A visible strobe light uses the visible spectrum and can be seen by anyone nearby, potentially exposing the LZ to enemy observers and not always working well with NVGs.