Fighter Control

Here you will find all relevant Information needed for the GCI Position.

0-Introduction

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Introduction 

This Book will intreduce you to Tactical Fighter Controle used by GCI (Sunrise and Loneship). The Following Pages have been kindly provided by Virtual NATO.

Glosary

AEW 

Airborne Early Warning

AR 

Aerial Refuelling

AWACS 

Airborne Warning and Control System

GAT 

General Air Traffic

GCI

Ground Controlled Interception

MR 

Mission Ready

OAT 

Operational Air Traffic

QRA 

Quick Reaction Alert

TRA 

Temporary Reserved Area

VSOA 

Virtual Special Operation Administration

 

Material published by vNATO (www.virtualnato.org). These Documents are copyright proprietary of VIRTUAL NATO and may not be reproduced without written permission of the author. Reading these manuals constitutes acceptance of the Copyrights of the Author.

Knowledge of these documents is considered paramount to flight safety on the VATSIM Network.

Any unauthorized use of the information in this manual in an actual flight (without reference to the official publication) is strictly prohibited. The authors of this manual assume no responsibility for the completeness of these documents or their use in Simulated or Real Aviation.

This is NOT an official AVIATION document. It is used to Support and Teach private Persons and flying Enthusiasts to have a good knowledge base of Flying in Simulated Environments.

VirtualNATO.org is in NO WAY affiliated with NATO.int or any real world NATO organisation/companies related, therefore, WE are a stand-alone, non-profit virtual organisation of flight simulation enthusiast, a group of friends with the common interest in promoting enjoyment and education through the simulation of military operations and procedure through the use of operating standards within several flight simulation platforms as VATSIM

Virtual NATO Military Committee

Virtual NATO Staff

1-Types & Methods of Control

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Introduction

This module describes the different types and levels of control, then the methods used by Fighter controllers. After completion of this module, you will be able to:

Types and levels of control

Depending on the radar coverage over the area, or for a given mission, the services provided by a Fighter controller can be very different. 

He can be involved from the highest responsibility (mission completion and anti-collision) to the lowest (broadcasting information “in the air”).

Moreover, during the same mission, the needs can be modified and the services adapted. So the controllers tasks must be clearly defined.

Types of Control

There are 3 different types of control, which determine how the mission is conducted,:

  1. Close Control. In a close control sortie, controllers must pass both target information and instructions to the fighter pilot. In this case the controller is responsible for achieving the point of interception, unless the pilot claims a “JUDY” or “TALLY” call. Then the pilot becomes responsible for achieving the interception.
  2. Loose Control. In a loose control sortie, the controller passes only target information to the fighter pilot, with no commands. In this case the fighter pilot is responsible for achieving the point of interception. 
  3. Broadcast Control. The controller will pass general target information and activity within the designated area in the form of Broadcast. The format of the broadcast will depend on the tactical situation. At all times the pilot will be responsible for achieving the interception.

Responsibilities (levels of control)

To determine the Flight Safety and anti-collision responsibilities, there are 2 levels of responsibility:

  1. Positive control. Under Positive control, the controller is responsible for keeping the safety separation parameters between the fighter(s) and the target(s), and also, all aircraft he is controlling, from strangers. The pilot becomes responsible for his own safety from the target as soon as he claims “JUDY” or “TALLY”. The controller remains responsible for separation from all other traffic. 
  2. Advisory control. All Flight Safety and separation actions are the responsibility of the pilot.

Methods of control

In order to complete the mission, the types and levels of control can change. It is possible to mix any type with any level, giving the mission flexibility and adaptability. It is also possible to change the method during a mission according to the situation: ground radar bent (U/S), fighter radar unserviceable or target spot lost etc...

During a Close-positive control sortie, the controller is responsible for both the mission completion and the Flight safety until the Judy/Tally call. This is the highest degree of responsibility. In peacetime, only one Close positive mission should be given to a controller. In wartime, to ensure efficiency, not more than 2 such missions should be given to a controller.


During a Close-advisory control sortie, the controller is responsible for giving the commands for the mission completion till the “Judy” or “Tally” call. The Flight Safety and separation remain with the pilot. In peacetime, only one Close advisory mission should be given to a controller; in wartime, not more than 2 such missions.


During a Loose-positive control sortie, the controller is responsible for both the Flight Safety and separation from all other traffic. The interception completion remains with the pilot. In peacetime, only one Loose positive mission should be given to a controller; in wartime, not more than 2 such missions.


During a Loose-advisory control sortie, the pilot is responsible for both the Flight Safety and separation from all other traffic. In peacetime, only 2 Loose positive missions should be given to a controller; in wartime, not more than 3 such missions.


During a Broadcast control sortie, the pilot is responsible for both the Flight Safety and separation towards all other traffic. There is no restriction on the number of missions under control, even during peacetime.


 Mission completion Flight Safety # of missions in peacetime # of missions in wartime
Close Positive Controller till Judy/Tally Controller till Judy/Tally 1 2
Close Advisory Controller till Judy/Tally Pilot 1 2
Loose positive Pilot Controller till Judy/Tally 1 2
Loose Advisory Pilot Pilot 2 3
Broadcast Pilot Pilot Unlimited Unlimited

Table of Responsibilities.

2-Basic Air Picture

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Introduction

When describing the air picture, always try to think what a pilot could do with the information: remember what kind of data is available in the cockpit, be aware of the performance of weapons system and aircraft capabilities. After completion of this module, you will be able to:

Elements to build a picture

The following elements constitute the “Situational Awareness”, which is fundamental knowledge required to perform the allocated mission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RT Communications

Communication formats

RT calls must be kept to an absolute minimum. Remember that one Fighter Controller may have several fighters or groups of fighters on the same frequency, and so cannot and must not attempt any close or positive control.

Alfa Check

Before any transmission, the pilot and the controller must check the position of the reference point (Bull’s eye) to ensure that they will be both using the SAME origin for the picture. This is called the “Alfa Check Procedure” and consists in passing the heading and range FROM the fighter position TO the bull’s eye. It can be initiated by any of them.

Pilot  LION 41, SUNRISE, Alfa check Dolphin?
ATC

SUNRISE, LION 41, Alfa check 255/45

If the position is confirmed by the other correspondent, then he must acknowledge by saying “Same”.

If the position is different, then a new Alfa Check must be requested after each party has checked its equipment and documentation.

As the end, if there is still a discrepancy, the pilot will define the right position to use with a LAST alfa check.

Callsigns

These must be used for each communication to avoid any misunderstanding on the call origin.

If the call is descriptive and for the attention of all participants, the controller will start by his own callsign. (e.g. “ SUNRISE, Bandit bullseye 350/15, high, hot”).

If the call is directive for one pair, or one aircraft, the controller will begin with the callsign of the concerned pair/aircraft. (e.g. “NATO 52, SUNRISE, Group 350/ 45...).

Passing Information

Use CODEWORDS wherever appropriate. Never use sentences! Never use Errr, Ummm, etc!

Follow the basics as followed:

 

 

Communication rules

The success of a mission is depending on the capability of the controller to understand what is happening. 

Listen to the frequency and talk only if needed! 

If no additional information can be added, do not talk. 

Do not repeat every message received.

Communication flow during a mission

Priorities must be defined to allow each participant to pass messages during interceptions and engagements in accordance with events.

For example, beyond his radar detection, the pilot is interested in receiving the picture.

As soon as he gains radar contact with hostile aircraft, then the controller should let the pilot lead the radio flow.

That is the reason why the rule of “Primary Talker” and “Secondary Talker” is applied.

The following table shows who should be the primary talker according to the engagement phase:

PrimaryTalkerDuringEngagement.png

3-Picture building

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Introduction

In order to pass correct target and friendly aircraft positions to the Fighter pilots, it is necessary to use standard and concise format for the information flow. But since the Tactical Situation evolve because due to aircraft motion, the procedure must be updated. 

This module will help you train yourself in building some basic and more complex pictures through paper exercises. After completion of this module, you will be able to:

 

Fighter Aircraft Displays

Modern aircraft now have a lot of information available from their own computers and displays: current precise position within an area, high performance Doppler radar, kill parameter calculations, Data links...Up to 5 display screens can be fitted:

Example of aircraft display setup (M2000-5).png

Example of aircraft display setup (M2000-5)

Tactical Situation: The Tactical Situation is the overview of the environment and the Air activity in a specified area. A pilot can display the following information:

Example of Tactical Situation display (M2000-5).png

Example of Tactical Situation display (M2000-5)

A pilot has a good Situational Awareness (SA) if he is aware of the whole of both friendly and hostile activity in his vicinity. He will prioritize the information he receives from the aircraft systems.

 

Picture

The “Picture” is the translation in words of a radar image from one participant to another participant in an operation. It can be a “Surface Picture” or an “Air Picture”. It includes the classification of positively identified responses and can be provided by a Fighter Controller or any aircraft with radar capability.

The role of the controller is to extend the field of view of the pilot and to warn him if a new threat occurs.

 

Picture Building concepts

The major difference between the controllers display and the pilot’s one is that the controller sees a “RAP - Recognized Air Picture”. Pilots do NOT have any ID available in the cockpit. This ID is the criteria that will allow or not a BVR SHOT.

The main task of the controller is to provide the pilot with the IDENTIFICATION of all detected aircraft

Even for a pilot, the Friendly situation should be relatively easy to identify (from knowledge of the ATO, and/or IFF analysis through the interrogator), but the Unknown and Hostile situation may be more difficult. So the controller should also try to pass additional and complementary data to improve the overall SA.

Communications have to be as clear as possible to give the pilots the right information in the clearest terms, so extensive use is made of labels and codewords to minimize RT transmission time.

 

Trend Analysis

The initial description of the Picture should have included the Ident, perhaps Strength and BRAA.

But to provide more accurate information, the controller must evaluate the trends of each detected aircraft/group.

This is nothing but marking the scope (in any way) with ground positions to figure out if the responses are marshalling prior to a push, orbiting or counter-rotating (indicating on CAP), or maneuvering in any special way. By using this technique it may be possible to assess their intentions.

Trend Analysis.png

Trend Analysis.

 

Grouping the Picture

Following the Trend Analysis, the controller is able to group contacts together.
Group labels are usually used for aircraft flying less than 3nm from each other. Aircraft flying beyond this range must be reported as another group or as individuals.
A big group may be composed of several groups. If several groups are together, they may be described as Packages.
If the enemy activity is heavy, state the total number of detected groups, but only report the THREE closest to your fighters.

Avoid confusion! 
Never say “first group 360/10, second group 040/15”. Just call them group.
If pilot or controller has amplifying information on one group, then group’s location (azimuth and range from Bull’s eye) must be used. It avoids ambiguous calls or misunderstandings.

As an example: Group, 270/65, 23000, Hot, Bandit.

Bounding Range
To regulate aircraft grouping and to simplify the picture transmission, a limitation in distance is defined as Bounding Range.
Within this range, groups position can be broadcast in relative position from each other.
Beyond this range, groups must be reported separately. Usually set at 30nm, this range may be modified by the Flight Leader.

 

Relative positions

There are 3 categories of labels to position 2 groups between each other: azimuth, range and altitude.

If the groups have azimuth relative positions from the pilot point of view, then use 
“AZIMUTH” term + range, with the 4 cardinal directions (e.g. NORTH(ERN) GROUP, EAST(ERN) GROUP...).

BRAA Direction.png

If the groups have a range relative position from the pilot point of view, then use
“RANGE” term + range and use LEADER GROUP and TRAILER GROUP names.

BRAA Range.png

If the groups have an altitude separation, then use “STACK” and label the highest group as HIGH GROUP and the lowest one as LOW GROUP.

BRAA Hight.png

Example of a grouped picture:

Groupe Picture.png

NATO 31, 4 GROUPS WEST BULLSEYE 50, LOW, HOT, HOSTILE
SOUTHERN PACKAGE, 2 GROUPS RANGE SPLIT 15, LEADER 255/50
NORTHERN PACKAGE, 2 GROUPS AZIMUTH SPLIT 10, NORTHERN 295/80

 

Labeling the Picture

Labeling Contacts: This allows the fighter mission commander to sort the targets. Remember that the priority for the fighter is the location of Hostile threats, especially enemy CAPS, which must be sanitized (cleaned or killed).

If aircraft can be positively identified as CAP, even if they are separated but working together, then label the group as “CAP” and continue using this label for each communication concerning this group.

Labeling the Groups and Air Activity.png

Labeling the Groups and Air Activity.

 

The RT Sequence

The first picture description follows the format BRAA. Successive updates must include the POSITION with label (if adressed) as a reference.

Then, depending upon the situation, the controller keeps pilots informed of what enemy is doing (descending, dragging or beaming etc) and then height and aspect.

The main point is to get the picture across to the pilot concisely and accurately!

Do not try to put all information into one long RT transmission, but never interrupt the BRAA sequence.

 

Updating the picture, monitoring the engagement

Listen to RT communications
The secret for a good Picture update is the capability of the controller to listen to all the RT communications from each participant, to understand what has been said and therefore, know exactly what the Flight Leader is doing, going to do and what he is aware of.

Say what you see! Like a camera, just report what you see.

No important Situation change 
Let the Flight Leader lead the radio communications flow. Because of the tactical situation, the strength of the raid, the changing tactics, you may have to assist the leader when he is engaging a group.

You should be able to track another group dragging or beaming away. Watch them and warn when they turn back hot. If the group maneuvers, report what you see: first the maneuver, then the heading.

Big Situation change 
Because the enemy tactics are changing, their flight formations and paths may change by cross turns, U turns, Routing changes etc... So the picture must quickly be updated. Use the terms New Formation, New Group or Pop-Up.

Pop –Ups

If new contact(s) appear(s) between 20 and 50NM from your fighters, use the term POP-UP and broadcast using Bull’s eye reference (if no specific aircraft is threatened) or Tactical reference if one specific aircraft is threatened.

Before passing an IDENT, be sure that the Pop Up is not a Friendly, you may do this by listening to the RT (as a Friendly, he should call).

i.e. “NATO32, Nahyan, Pop-up Tactical 125-25, Hot, Hostile”

The use of the word ‘Tactical’ indicates to the pilot that the reference is from the fighter, not from the Bull’s eye.

Threat calls

If a contact(s) approach(es) one of your fighters (less than 20NM), without being detected by the pilot, or if a closer than 20NM pop-up contact appears, call for a THREAT CALL.

Format to apply then if as followed:

i.e. “NATO 31, Threat call BRAA (or Tactical) 125-12, head, hostile".

Before passing an IDENT, be sure that the Pop Up is not a Friendly, you may do this by listening to the RT (as a Friendly, he should call) and/or reading IFF code (see ATO for possible friendly movement scheduled in the area).

Faded responses (targets dark)

If contacts fade, and remain faded for at least 2 sweeps, call “Northern group, 255/54, NOW Faded”. Then use “Estimate Bull’s eye .../...” to anchor the responses you have lost.

After another few sweeps, if the contact is still faded, the information will be too old to be reliable. Then call “Faded group, last known Bull’s eye .../...”. 

Note. By calling a group as “Faded”, you advise the leader that you can no longer accept targeting responsibility.

New picture

The Tactical situation may change at any moment because:

Then allocated labels to each group do not reflect the situation any more. For these reasons a pilot may request a New Picture or the controller could initiate the new picture procedure. “New Picture” is the mandatory term prior to changing labels.

A “New Picture” call should only be made beyond the “NO New Picture Range” defined inside the briefing and occur when communications flow allows. If not, then initial labels should be maintained.

4-CAP Techniques

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Introduction

This module explains the theory and practice of Combat Air Patrols. It describes the different procedures used within an FAOR environment as well. On completion, you will be able to:

 

Combat Air Patrol (CAP)

Combat Air Patrols (CAPs) are airborne patrols positioned as the tactical situation demands. CAPs can be flown for several reasons, as a demonstration of air power, to provide some early warning (if the fighter has a radar) but, more importantly, to respond very quickly to any possible air attack.

The main disadvantage is that even keeping a single CAP position will require several aircraft, to allow for change-overs due to fuel shortages. 

Position
The position of a CAP is obviously very important, and depends upon the direction of the threat, but the location of ‘vulnerable points’ (VPs), airbases, prominent geographical features, plus the availability or not of air to air refuelling (AAR), airborne early warning (AEW), and radar control from ships, must also be considered.

CAP Flight patterns

CAP along (towards) the Threat Axis

Aircraft equipped with long range radar (such as EUFI or M2000) can search for the threat on an outbound leg but then are “blind” on the inbound leg. This pattern is used when a reliable ground radar coverage is provided (GCI or AEW).

CAP.png

CAP

Counter-rotating CAP

When reliable ground radar coverage is not provided (GCI or AEW), CAP aircraft must continuously scan the airspace towards the threat origin area. So they fly separately and arrange their path to always keep an aircraft facing the threat (IN or HOT LEG) whilst the other in backing (OUT or COLD LEG).

Counter-rotating CAP.png

Counter-rotating CAP

Counter-opposing CAP

If many aircraft are tasked as CAP in a same area for the same mission (4-ship patrol or 2 different pairs) they may fly in separate CAP locations and manage their paths to always keep a pair scanning airspace towards the threat origin area. In this situation, one single CAP commander will be responsible of engagement.

Counter-opposing CAP.png

Counter-opposing CAP

Beam CAP

In certain occasions because of the tactical situation, or for non-radar equipped aircraft, CAP may be oriented perpendicular to the area of operations or ingress route of flight.

Beam CAP.png

Organisation

CAP missions may be conducted through different ways, either outside or within specific allocated areas.

When CAP aircraft are only allocated a CAP point, it may become difficult to coordinate the engagement if many targets threaten the area. It is then necessary to define who must engage and which threats (ROEs).

The allocation of a defined area to a CAP fighter eases the engagement. Such an area is named Fighter Area Of Responsibility (FAOR).

Types of control:

CAP outside FAOR --> LOOSE or CLOSE, POSITIVE or ADVISORY

CAP within FAOR   --> ONLY LOOSE ADVISORY

FAOR

The Fighter Area Of Responsibility (FAOR) is an airspace of defined dimensions where Air Defense Fighters have the primary responsibility for:

  1. Patrolling
  2. Intercepting
  3. Engaging

Any unidentified aircraft detected and flying inside an FAOR must be intercepted, identified, classified and engaged if necessary.

Advantages of FAOR

When airspace becomes complicated because of multiple missions taking place in it, it is necessary to organise it in accordance with the
requirements of each specific mission. When an area is designed to protect heavy air activity, FAOR is designed to make the engagement easier.

Procedures

CAP point, bull’s eye, frequencies, and sometimes IFF codes for mode 3, are assigned to each FAOR. So a CAP pilot will immediately and
automatically be aware of all the data associated with the area he is going to fly in.

Engagement

Through the picture provided by Fighter Controllers, pilots have a good situational awareness within their allocated area. They can immediately react when pop-up traffic appears, detected or not by the ground radar site.

Also, when the controller is completely busy, or radio contact is lost (frequencies jammed or failure), pilots know that they are responsible for air superiority within their allocated FAOR.

Planning

When many CAPs are planned for a long period, it is much easier to associate the CAP, the station time with the FAOR.

Location

FAOR is designed to position defensive fighter aircraft as far as possible from the vulnerable area, towards the threat origin. It can be located beyond the Missile Engagement Zones, or on the other side, depending on the priorities of engagement defined by the Force Commander.

FAOR can be isolated if the probability if threat is low. If the probability of threat is higher, then FAORs can be joined to border each other in order to act as “Barrier CAP”.

Shape

There is no specific requirement for the shape of an FAOR. It must allow aircraft to maneuver within it. The needs and the tactical situation define the best use of the airspace. Usually a rectangle is chosen because it offers 2 side longer than the others, allowing longer radar scanning by the fighters.

FAOR.png

The limits of the FAOR may be either lines joining geographic points or lines of Latitude and Longitude.

Size requirements

The FAOR size should allow fighter aircraft to maneuver as freely as possible to perform their task. Also the weapon system and the missiles capabilities should be integrated when the FAOR is designed. The Long-range capability of MICA and AMRAAM requires sizes not to be shorter than 50-60nm long and 40nm wide.

Orientation

The shortest side should always face the threat.

 

Airspace Organisation

CAP Point

The CAP point, also called “Anchor point” is a geographic reference point defined by the ACO and associated with the FAOR. It is the racetrack origin. If the tactical situation requires, both pilots and controllers can move the CAP point location. If so, each one must ensure that the new position is known by all other users.

A CAP point may also be used independently of an FAOR. In this case, there is no lateral limits for pilots responsibilities and engagement should be coordinated between pilots and controllers.

Racetrack

The racetrack is a defined pattern to be used by pilots when patrolling. Its orientation depends upon the FAOR orientation itself.
It is composed of 2 legs:

It can be flown “clockwise” or “Counter clockwise”; this must be defined by the CAP leader. Fighter aircraft can fly together or separately. If a GCI or AEW controller is available, with no restriction in the radar coverage, they will fly together. They can scan in the threat direction only on the hot leg, and their picture will rely on the controller when flying the cold leg. The role of the controller is then to keep the pilot’s situational awareness current.

If detection is poor or if no controller is available, or if the hostile picture requires, they will adopt the Counter Rotating or Counter Opposing CAP profiles. They will split in 2 single ships and fly separately in order to always keep 1 aircraft on the hot leg, while the other one is cold.

The leader must co-ordinate their paths. Same profile will apply when 2 pairs fly anchored at the same CAP point.

Bull’s Eye (BE)

The Bull’s Eye is a reference point, defined in the ACO, and used to transmit the picture. When it is associated with an FAOR, the BE is always located on the edge towards the threat. There is only one BE associated with an FAOR, but many others can be used outside it.

When using a different BE, both pilots and controllers must state the BE name used as a reference for this transmission.

Desired Engagement Zone (DEZ)

The Desired Engagement Zone is an area within the FAOR where engagement is expected. Located on the threat side of the FAOR, it is used to ensure that the pilots will neither engage too early nor too late.

All interception calculations are based on this location.

Kill Box

The Kill Box is the extension of the DEZ, located outside the FAOR. It is strictly forbidden for friendly aircraft to fly in a Kill Box. Therefore every contact gained in this area will be immediately engaged and destroyed.

Commit Line

The Commit Line is a line located far away from the Kill Box, towards the threat, and at the same distance from the FAOR Bull’s Eye as the fighter CAP position. 

The commit decision must be taken before enemy aircraft cross it.

Stop Line

To give the Kill Box its complete credibility, as mentioned above, it must be mandatory that none of the friendly aircraft will fly in it. So a Stop Line is defined on the FAOR boundary, between the DEZ and the Kill Box.

Drop Line

Located within the DEZ at about 10/15NM (defined by the CAP leader) from the Stop line, this line is the limit where fighters stop monitoring a specified target and resume search responsibilities. Fighters then reduce the risk of crossing the stop line and entering the Kill box.

Drop Line.png

Techniques

Alfa Check

When taking over a CAP mission, the controller must check the Bull’s Eye position with the pilot. This will ensure that both are using the same reference point for the picture broadcast. This step is called “Alfa Check” and must be performed as soon as possible before transmitting any picture. Requested by either the pilot or the controller, the message contains the bearing and range to the Bull’s Eye from the fighter’s current position.

Radar work

To gain maximum efficiency, both aircraft of the same pair share the airspace scanning. They adjust radar parameters to give maximum horizontal coverage, the left hand side pilot optimizing the left side of flight path, and the right hand one, the right side.

Radar Side.png

They also adjust radar parameters to give maximum vertical coverage, the left hand side pilot optimizing the lookdown from altitude path, and the right hand one, the lookup.

Radar Vertical.png

Chronology

Pilots expect an initial picture transmission as soon as they are in contact with the controller and after authentication and “Alfa check” are completed.

When a threat occurs, then:

Commit Line.png

DEZ.png

 

Multiple FAOR

CAP Mission Commander (CAP MC)

If two or more FAOR are adjacent, a CAP Mission Commander (CAP MC) will be designated by the “AOC Plans Cell” through the ATO. He will be in charge of coordinating the aircraft availability, the reliefs and all engagements. He will expect the controller to assist him in managing the FAORs.

Hardwall

The “Hardwall” procedure exists to prevent the crossing of adjacent FAORs and associated “Kill Boxes” to:

There must be also a good coordination between the different controllers.

Engagement

To face a heavy enemy raid (i.e Gorilla), the CAP MC could decide to talk to all the CAP assets on a single frequency to ease sorting through direct contact. Then the controllers must push their assets onto the CAP MC frequency. Also when the incoming threat is identified as heavy, far away from the FAORs, the FA can request the CAP MC controller to ask the pilots to push to the CAPMC frequency.

Multiple FAOR.png

5-Flight Formations

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Introduction

This module aims to give you an insight into some of the most commonly used combat  tactics and flight formations. 

Codewords are used extensively for pre-flight briefings and during the mission to  exchange information and instructions, so you must be fully aware of them.  After completion of this module, you will be able to: 

Flight Formations within a group

The following Flight Formations describe the relative positions of aircraft within a group. These  terms are used by pilots describing what they detect with their radar. As the relative positions  between aircraft within a group may be very tight, the controller should not use them but he  must understand them when pilots describe a group composition. 

CONTAINER 

An attack of four distinct aircraft with two in front and two behind flying in a square formation.

Container.pnge.g. “4 a/c Container”

 

OFFSET CONTAINER  

An attack of four distinct aircraft with two in front and two behind. The 2 trailers are moved laterally to an offset position left or right.

OFFSET CONTAINER.png

CARD 

An attack of four distinct aircraft with one in front, two laterally displaced and one behind.

CARD.pnge.g. “4 a/c left Offset Container”

 

COLUMN 

Tactical formation of several aircraft flying in trail formation.

Column.pnge.g. “4 a/c Card”

 

ECHELON (Cardinal direction)  

Contacts with wingman displaced approximately 45° behind leader's wing line. 

Echelon.pnge.g. top ”2 a/c Echelon North”
bottom “4 a/c echelon east”

 

TRAIL  

Tactical formation of two aircraft following one another.

Trail.png

e.g. “Two a/c in trail”

TRAILER 

The last aircraft/group/formation in a formation following (in trail) an aircraft/group/formation at a range which cannot include him within the previous group.

Trailer.pnge.g. “One group VIC, one trailer 5”

LINE ABREAST  

Two or more contacts side-by-side.

Line Abreast.pnge.g. “2 contacts, line abreast, 2”

STINGER 

Formation of three or more aircraft with a single in TRAIL.

Stinger.pnge.g. “3 contacts, stinger”

WEDGE  

Tactical formation of three or more  aircraft with the single in front and the others aircraft laterally displaced on either side behind the leaders wing line.

Wedge.png

e.g. “Five contacts, Wedge”

 

Description of groups position 

The following Flight Formations describe the relative positions of groups between each other. The controller should use them to describe the picture. 

BOX 

An attack of four distinct groups with two in front and two behind flying in a square formation.

BOX.png

e.g. “4 groups Box”

CHAMPAGNE 

A picture label describing 3 distinct GROUPS with 2 in front and one behind from a God’s-eye-view. The two lateral groups will intend to decoy the opposite fighters when the central one will try to engage. This term is also used to describe this manoeuvre.

CHAMPAGNE.png

e.g. "3 groups, Champagne"

LADDER  

Three or more groups/formations in trail.

LADDER.png

e.g. “3 groups, ladder, plus 1 trailer”

VIC

Three groups with the single closest in range and an element in trail. The closest will be named leader group, the trailers will be named e.g. eastern trailer group and western trailer group.

VIC.png

e.g. “3 groups, Vic”

WALL  

Three or more groups/formations line abreast/side-side.

WALL.png

e.g. “Three groups, Wall”

RANGE SPLIT 

Two or more groups primarily separated in distance along the same bearing.

RANGE SPLIT.png

e.g. “Two groups, Range Split 15”

AZIMUTH SPLIT 

Two or more groups primarily separated in bearing from a Fighter point of view. To use to describe Wall, Champagne… formations).

AZIMUTH SPLIT.png

e.g. “Two groups, Azimuth Split 15”

STACK 

Two or more groups, close to each other’s, but separated in altitude. Use High and Low to label the groups.

STACK.png

e.g. “Two groups, stack, low group 5000, high group 26000”

Remember that the terms RANGE and AZIMUTH refer to the pilot  point of view, not the relative position of the groups between each other.  

Example : The following example shows the different term to be used according to the position  of the fighters you talk to. 

Formation Example.png

6-Combat Maneuvers

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Introduction

This module aims to give you an insight into some of the most commonly used combat maneuvers and attempts to show when and how such maneuvers would be used. 

Pilots will use specific terms in the pre-flight briefings, to describe the tactics they intend to use. So you should be aware of these terms. After completion of this module, you will be able to:

Long range(Prior to engagement) maneuvers

Prior to the close engagement, fighters and bandits’ routes will move according to the tactical situation. 

It is just as important to understand what the fighters’ tactics are as it is to explain the changes occurring within the enemy packages. Use the following terms to advise the leader of the situation.

Weave
Two allied aircraft fly in a weaving pattern, crossing paths regularly. This tactic makes it difficult for the enemy to focus on a single target and increases the chances of the wingman getting a shot at the attacker.

Weave.png

Pincer
Descriptive call to define a tactic where two bandits (enemy) flights separate in an attempt to attack both flanks (sides) of your formation. Also a tactic designed to maneuver an enemy into a defensive position by simultaneous attack from both sides of bogey.

Pincer.png

Cross turn
A 180° heading reversal by a flight where aircraft turn into each other.

Cross turn.png

Cross turn weave
A 180° heading reversal by a flight where aircraft turn into each other and cross again.

Cross turn weave.png

Attack Manoeuvers

Shackle
In this maneuver, the lead aircraft turns sharply to one side, while the wingman turns in the opposite direction. This creates a weaving pattern that can confuse the enemy and disrupt their targeting.

The goal is to force the enemy to constantly adjust their aim, giving the defenders an advantage.

Shackle.png

Bracket
Directive call to maneuver fighters on opposite sides laterally or vertically from the targets. This tactical air combat maneuver used by fighter aircraft aims to gain a positional advantage over an opponent.

In this maneuver, the attacking aircraft positions itself in such a way that it "brackets" or traps the enemy aircraft between two of its own aircraft. This positioning makes it difficult for the enemy to escape or counterattack effectively.

Bracket.png

Single side offset
Directive/descriptive call where a fighter aircraft maneuvers to one side of an enemy aircraft, creating an offset position. 

This maneuver is designed to place the attacking aircraft in a favorable position to launch an attack while minimizing the risk of being targeted by the enemy.

Single side offset.png

Flank
Description of the bogey/bandit maneuvering to position the fighter within 30 - 60° of the contact nose.

Aircraft maneuvering stabilized within 120 – 150° aspect.

Flank.png

Beam
Description of the bogey/bandit maneuvering to position the fighter within + 30° of the contact wingline.

Aircraft maneuvering stabilized within 70 – 110 ° aspect.

Beam.png

Drag
Description of the bogey/bandit maneuvering to position the fighter within + 60° of the Bogey/bandit’s tail.

Maneuver also designed to seduce enemy aircraft to follow one aircraft while another gets on his six to destroy him.

Drag.png

Cranck
Directive/descriptive call indicating an F/A -POLE maneuver in a specific direction (applies to friendly fighters).

Cranck.png

Notch
Description of an aircraft maneuvering defensively to position the bandit on the aircraft’s wingline. (applies to friendly fighters).

Notch.png

Pump
Directive/descriptive call indicating the fighters are maneuvering up to 180° away from the threat with the intention of recommitting, depending on the tactical situation (applies to friendly fighters).

While pumping, pilots expect picture updates by wingmen or controllers.

Pump.png

Extend (Direction)
Directive to gain energy and distance with the possible intent of re-engaging.

When extending, pilots require a picture update in order to plan their return into the fight.

Extend.png

Pacman
Informative call that the fighters have found the end of the threat package and are converting — given in B/R from the FAOR (Fighter Area Of Responsibility) reference point.

Pacman.png

7-Tectical Brevity Words

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Word Meaning
ABORT(ING) Cancel/action/event mission, or, I am unable to continue mission.
________ABOVE Target is at a specified height above the fighter.
ACKNOWLEDGE Confirm you have received and understood the last message.
AFFIRMATIVE Yes, That is correct. Permission granted.
AIRBORNE Aircraft is flying. I am in flight.
ALPHA CHECK Request for bearing and Range to prebriefed/described point.
ALTITUDE

Vertical distance (height) of aircraft in feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
ANCHOR

Orbit about a specific point; ground track flown by tanker. Information call indicates a turning engagement about a specific location.
ANGELS Altitude of friendly fighter in thousands of feet.
ANYFACE Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft.
AS FRAGGED Fighter, mission package or agency will be performing exactly as stated in the ATO
ASPECT

Request/comment regarding target aspect information.

HEAD aspect 160° TO 180°
FLANK aspect 120° TO 150°
BEAM aspect 70° TO 110°
DRAG aspect less than 60°

Aspect.png
ASPECT ANGLE

The angle between the longitudinal axis of the target (projected rearward) and the line-of-sight to the fighter, measured from the tail of the target. The attackers heading is not a consideration. (Whenever the attacker is pointed at the bogey, angle-off and aspect are the same.)
AUTHENTICATE

A challenge and response (in code) to confirm the validity of command instructions or information.
AVOIDING ACTION Directive used by controller when ordering immediate maneuver to avoid a collision risk.
____ AWAY Weapons indicated has been fired/released. (e.g. Fox One away)
(*) AZIMUTH (SPLIT) Two or more groups primarily separated in bearing from a Fighter point of view. To use to describe Wall, Champagne... formations) Do not use the term “split” any more.
(*) BANDIT (S) Aircraft identified as enemy. According to the ROEs, the term does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage. (i.e. flying beyond the FLOT within enemy airspace).
BASE Home airfield or specified recovery base.
BASE (+ NUMBER) Reference number used to indicate such information as heading, altitudes, fuel...
BEAM

Aspect of an attack or approach with a Heading Crossing Angle of between 60 and 120 degrees.
BEARING

Direction of an object from another object or point (measured in degrees).
(*) BEARING (+ cardinal) Inner group formation with the trailer displaced approximately 45 degrees behind the leader
______BELOW Target is (at a relative height) below the fighter.
BENT Equipment/System/Ordnance indicated is inoperative.
BINGO

Fuel state which prohibits safe continuation of present Mission and needed for recovery
BLIND No visual contact with friendly aircraft in the formation. (Opposite of "Visual".)
(*) BOGEY A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown.
(*) BOGEY DOPE XXX

A request for bearing/angle and range to Bogey XXX, and as available, heading, altitude and speed.
(*) BOGEY DOPE

A request for bearing/angle and range to the closest target and as available altitude and aspect.
(*) BOX A picture label describing four distinct GROUPs with two in front and two behind in a square or offset square orientation from god’s eye view. (equivalent within a group is CONTAINER)
(*) BRAA

Form or format of tactical control providing bearing, range, altitude and aspect from fighter to target. Aspect is only required if other than HEAD
BRACKET

Simultaneous attack on enemy from opposite sides/altitudes.

Directive call to maneuver fighters on opposite sides laterally or vertically from the targets.
BREAK RIGHT/LEFT Directive to perform an immediate maximum performance emergency turn..
BREAKAWAY (HEADING) Directive to maneuver to achieve horizontal (or vertical) separation
BROADCAST Request/directive to switch to Broadcast Control, ie. GO BROADCAST.
BULLSEYE

An established reference point from which the relative position of an aircraft can be transmitted.
BUZZER Electronic communications jamming.
BVR (BEYOND VISUAL RANGE) A missile fired at a target which is not seen by the pilot. Pilot has radar or IR lock and elects to fire. Identification is not required.
CANCEL Annul the previously transmitted message or clearance.
CAP Combat Air Patrol.
CHAFF
  1. Call indicating chaff has been detected.
  2. Radar confusion reflectors which consist of thin, narrow metallic strips of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect echoes for confusion purposes.
(*) CHAMPAGNE A picture label describing 3 distinct GROUPS with 2 in front and one behind from a God’s-eye-view.
CHATTERMARK

Start communications jamming countermeasures (use briefed radio procedures to counter comjam).
CHECK (ALTITUDE/ANGELS/FUEL/ ASPECT.) A directive call to carry out check requested or prebriefed procedure; request for target aspect information.
CHECK (direction or

Change to indicated heading or alter heading by degrees) a specified number of degrees left or right for prebriefed time period, then resume heading
CHECK WEAPONS SAFE

Assure that all arrangement switches are in the Off/Safe/Cold/Training positions.(See also; ARM SAFE/HOT.)
CLEAN (1) No radar contact.
CLEAN (2) No external fuel tanks or weapons stations.
CLEAN (3) My RWR shows that I am not being tracked by an aircraft AI radar CW illuminator. E.g “NATO 52, clean”. May be used by friendly aircraft before firing a missile. (See Locked and Spiked)
E.g “Blue Lead Locked”. “Roger, 2 clean”.
CLEAR (direction) Aircraft is in immediate danger. Fly in the direction indicated for safety.
CLEARED (HOT) Authorised to proceed under conditions specified. Air-to-surface range attack is authorised.
CLIMB (ING) Ascend; gain altitude. Aircraft gaining height.
CLOSING Range decreasing.
CODE IFF/SIF setting for a particular mode.
(*) COLD

1- A descriptive/directive call to initiate a turn in the CAP away from the threat.

2- Groups heading away from friendly aircraft.
3- Defined area is not expected to receive fire (enemy or friendly).
COMAO

COMbined Air Operation. A large number of aircraft of different types and roles working together to perform a mission.
COMMIT

Directive from flight leader to nominated flight member to intercept a specific target. (Air Combat, Sweep, Escort Mission) with no intent to kill.
CONFIRM Have I correctly received the following ....? or, did you correctly receive this message.
CONTACT 1. Interceptor pilot has radar and/or IP (IFF) contact.
2. Directive to make an RT call to another agency or Controller on a designated radio frequency,
3. Controller has radar/IFF contact on his aircraft or bogey.
(*) CONTAINER Inner group formation with 4 contacts orientated in a square or offset square from a god’s-eye-view
CONTINUE Continue left or right turn, climb, descend or maneuver as directed.
CONTRAIL(S)

Condensation trail(s). Crystallized vapor trails left by an aircraft. Aircraft indicated is leaving contrails.
CORRECT That is correct.
CORRECTION

1. An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with last word correctly transmitted.
2. An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The correct version is __________.
3. That which follows is a correct version in answer to your request for verification.
CRANCK

Directive / descriptive call indicating an F/A -POLE maneuver in a specific direction (applies to friendly fighters).
CROSS TURN A 180° heading reversal by a flight where aircraft turn into each other.
CROSSING_____ TO_____ Target or Stranger is passing from left to right, or right to left, ahead or behind.
(*) CYCLOPS Any UAV
DARK The designated aircraft is no longer visible on my radar screen. e.g “Target dark”
DECLARE

Request for identification of a correlated target . Responses include: " FRIENDLY / BANDIT / BOGEY / HOSTILE or UNABLE " .
DECOY

Any one of a number of tactics using a single fighter or flight to lure the opposition into a situation where they can be attacked by previously undetected fighters.
(*) DELOUSE

Directive call to detect, identify, and engage (if required) unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft
DEPARTING_____ Informative call made on departure from a place or facility. e.g. "Departing Tanker".
(*) DEPLOY Directive to maneuver to briefed positioning.
DESTROY Directive to demolish or nullify a specified target.
DESTROYED Target demolished or annihilated.
DESCEND (ING) Lose height to that specified. Aircraft maneuvering to lower altitude.
DISENGAGE Discontinue the current attack.
DISREGARD Consider the transmission as not sent.
DIVERT Proceed to alternate base.
DRAG/DRAGGER Target maneuvering to 60 degrees or less aspect.
DRAG (+ direction)

Description of the BOGEY/BANDIT maneuvering to position the fighters within + 60° of the Bogey/bandit’s tail
(*) DROP (PING)
  1. Directive/informative to stop monitoring a specified emitter/target and resume search responsibilities.
  2. Remove the emitter/target from tactical picture/track stores.
(*) ECHELON (direction)

Picture label/fill-in describing two GROUPs with one group displaced behind and to the side of the other group.
ELEMENT A flight of two fighters acting as a unit.
EMERGENCY

Distress. Serious aircraft/aircrew problems. Also, a setting of IFF/SIF or VHF/UHF frequency.
ENGAGE Descriptive/directive call indicating maneuvering with the intent to kill.
ENGAGED

Aircraft or element is occupied in combat for kill with the enemy. (Controller will provide threat or safety information.)
ENGAGING Entering into combat with the intent to kill.
ESCORT

Fly at safe distance from designated aircraft and provide honour guard and/or protective cover.
ESTIMATE Approximate information (based on judgement).
(*) EXTEND Short term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or separation normally with the intent of re- engaging.
FADED Contact has disappeared from radar but may reappear.
FAST Estimated speed of target, usually between 400kt and Mach 1 or as indicated in ROE
FEET DRY/WET Flying over land/water.
FEW Not many (usually 2 to 4)
FLAME OUT Engine failure.
(*) FLANK

Description of the bogey/bandit maneuvering to an aspect of 120 to 150 degrees angle from tail or 30 to 60 degrees angle from nose of aspect.
(*) FLASH

Temporarily activate specified system for identification purposes IFF/afterburner/flare/chaff/etc.).
FOX ONE Launch of radar guided missile.
FOX TWO Launch of infra-red guided missile.
FOX THREE Launch of active radar missile (AMRAAM, MICA)
FOX FOUR Bomber gunner has fired on a target.
FRAG

The fragment or portion of an Air Task Order (ATO) which holds the tasking details for a squadron or base.
(*) FRIENDLY A positively identified friendly aircraft or ground position.
FRONT (FRONTAL)

An attack or approach with a Heading Crossing Angle (HCA) of between 120 and 180 degrees.
(*) FURBALL

Descriptive/informative call indicating known non-friendly aircraft and FRIENDLY aircraft are in close proximity to each other. Can be a response to a DECLARE request.
GADABOUT Upper limits of height sanctuary for fighters in the MEZ, in thousand of feet.
GADGET

Fire Control System/Radar/Emitter equipment.

Gadget 1 = Pulse Radar

Gadget 2 = Pulse Doppler Radar

Gadget 3 = Air Data Computer

e.g. "Gadget 2 Bent".
(*) GINGERBREAD Voice imitative deception is suspected on this net.
GO HEAD Proceed with your message.
GO SECURE Activate secure voice communications.
GO TACTICAL Aircrew is requesting Bearing/range information from nose his own aircraft location.
GOODWILL Boundary of a MEZ.
(*) GOPHER A bogey that has not conformed to safe passage routing, airspeed, or altitude procedures. Will only be used when safe passage routing procedures are part of an ID matrix
GORILLA Large force of undetermined numbers and formation.
GREEN SECTOR____ Direction determined to be clearest of enemy air-to-air (Direction) activity.
(*) GROUP

Descriptive call of several radar targets/contacts within 3nm and 20,000 feet., depending on the general picture.
GUNS Term for simulated guns shot.
GUN KILL Air to air guns shot.
HARD (LEFT/RIGHT) Maximum ‘G' energy sustaining turn.
HARDWALL Impassable limit of an area. E.g., when 2 adjoining FAOR are active, the common line should be HARDWALL. Usually a buffer zone of 5nm is applied and the IC should warn the pilots flying towars. “Mansoor A, HARDWALL 5 miles”.
(*) HEAD

Approaching target or aircraft opposite directions with a stable aspect of approximately 180 degrees. (See also: FRONT.)
(*) HEAVY Group with 3 or more contacts.
HIGH Estimate target altitude between 25,000 to 50.000ft
HOLD FIRE

Do not open fire, or cease fire on raid/track designated. Missiles in flight must not be permitted to continue.
HOME PLATE Home airfield.
HOSTILE

A contact or an intercepted mission determined to be enemy. Aircraft that has committed an hostile act. Clearance to fire is authorised IAW theatre ROE
HOT

1-High aspect target. (160-180 degrees angle from tail or 0-20 degrees angle from nose.

2-A call by a fighter on CAP that he is turning onto a heading towards the threat where he can search for targets. e.g “Tiger22, turning hot”.

3-Defined area is expected to receive fire (enemy or friendly).
(*) ID / IDENTIFY Directive to intercept and identify the target or I.D. accomplished, followed by type of aircraft.
(*) IN (opposite OUT) Informative call indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a known threat.
INTERCEPT Directive to intercept target and carry out specified task.
(IN THE) DARK

Not visible on my scope and any position information is estimated.
IN TRAIL Perform maneuver maintaining relative position in formation. (See: TRAIL.)
INVESTIGATE Search and report.
JINK

Perform unpredictable maneuvers to escape/ elude enemy radar lock-on, air-to-air or surface-to-air weapon.
JOKER A pre-briefed fuel state before Bingo.
JUDY

1. Pilot has radar lock on and assumes responsibility for intercept. The controller will acknowledge and will cease giving information except threat calls or flight safety awareness. Controller will closely monitor the intercept and be ready to pass information/commands if the fighter calls "Bogey Dope" or "More Help".

2. Used by a fighter to indicate a radar lock on when rejoining with a friendly fighter. No further assistance is required from GCI (but see above).
KEEP CLEAR _______ Keep clear of contact bearing ___/___miles from me or reference point.
KICK Change to Frequency _____, or Push number.
KICK (direction) Informative/directive call indicating a defensive “Check” turn in a specified direction.
KILL

1. Directive to destroy a specific airborne target.

2. Confirmation of act of destruction or disablement of airborne target.
KNOCK-IT-OFF

Training directive used to terminate the intercept/engagement in progress. Repeated 3 times. Used for an emergency termination of an ACT engagement.
KOBOLT MEZ is not in operation.
(*) LADDER A picture label describing three or more groups separated in range.
(*) LEAD TRAIL

Relative position within a group of the leader and wingman following each other and less than 3nm
LEAKER

Aircraft, part of an engaged raid, which flew through the defensive layer and continues toward its target. Leakers become higher priority of engagement.
LEVEL Fighter/Aircraft is at the designated angels/ altitude or, target is at the same altitude.
LINE ABREAST Wingman is at right angles to lead ±5000 feet and 1 to 3 miles displacement. Also called the Battle Formation; can be formed using 2, 3 or 4 aircraft. It is a defensive formation, providing good visual cross cover but sacrificing some maneuverability compared to offensive formation; it is used when entering or departing in area or when on CAP.
(*) LINE ABREAST

Relative position within a group of the leader and wingman on the wing line and less than 3nm.
LOCK-ON/LOCKED Fighter has final A.I. radar lock-on.
LOOSE That type of control where the pilot is responsible for conducting the mission. The controller provides only the Air Picture, without any command or orders. It consists of Bullseye calls, bearing and range only, or even a geographic location call on guard.
LOW Target altitude low, usually between 500 ft to 5,000 ft
MAINTAIN Hold designated altitude, speed or heading.
(*) MANEUVER (ING)

Aircraft in turn, aspect is impossible to define. When aircraft is steady, then aspect must be broadcast.
MANY More aircraft (5 or more) than can be clearly distinguished.
MARSHAL (LING) Rendezvous / aircraft are joining.
MAYDAY International distress call. Usually called three times. Immediate assistance required.
MEDIUM

Target altitude estimated between 5,000 to 25,000 ft. DO NOT USE FOR SPEED!
(*) MELD Directive call to adjust radar scan volume to cover the same target group.
MERGE (D)

Radar responses have come together, individual aircraft cannot be identified.
MIX UP Hostile and friendly, target and fighter radar responses have merged.
MODE IFF operating selection.
MONITOR Listen-out on.... (frequency designator/stud)
MONITOR

Directive or request indicating that are intentionally disregarding a bogey / group while attention is focused on another.

Task you / wingmen to watch that bogey / group and advise if it is about to become a factor of threat.

Do not use instead of "shadow"
MORE HELP See Bogey Dope.
MOTHER Parent ship, usually aircraft carrier.
MUD (B/R) Indicates unknown RWR ground threat displayed.
NEAR When describing groups/contact/element in range, indicates the closest to the fighters.
NEGATIVE No. That is not correct. Permission not granted.
NEGATIVE CONTACT No radar and/or SIF contact.
(*) NO FACTOR Group, aircraft do not present immediate threat.
NO JOY (1)

Aircrew does not have visual contact with target/bandit; opposite of "TALLY".
NO JOY (2)

I could make no contact on the designated frequency. E.g “NATO51, back with you, no joy channel 5”.
NOTCH (ING)

Description of an aircraft maneuvering defensively to position the bandit on the aircraft’s wing line.
OFF (HIGH/LOW/LEFT/RIGHT________O'CLOCK Attack is terminated or completed and aircraft is repositioning or exiting as stated. In clock code section and at range indicated.
OILFIELD MEZ in operation, active.
ON STATION

I have reached my assigned station and I am operational. Opposite of OFF STATION
ORBIT/ORBITING LEFT/RIGHT) Circle in direction indicated. (See also: Anchor.)
(*) OUT CAP fighter(s) back(s) the threat sector to reset whilst the other CAP aircraft is IN.
PACKAGE Geographically isolated collection of groups.
PACMAN Informative call that the fighters have found the end of the threat package.
(*) PAINT

An interrogated group/contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF modes-codes established for the ID criteria.
PAN, PAN Calling station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety. Preferably said three times. Plus a message to indicate the nature of assistance required.
PARROT Military IFF/SIF equipment.
PICTURE

Situation briefing which includes real time information pertinent to a specific mission (general air situation, Order of Battle...). 

Call from fighter to indicate he requires an update on the tactical air situation. E.g. “Nahyan, Shaheen Blue, picture” - “Shaheen Blue, picture, 2 CAPs manned, Shaheen Green on CAP 1, Shaheen Blue CAP 2,. Tanker on Towline Alpha, Clara”.
PIGEONS Magnetic bearing and range to home base or to a specified point.
PINCER

A tactic where two aircraft or flights separate in an attempt to bracket the enemy and attack from opposite sides simultaneously. (See also: RUMS, Bracket,Hooking)
PIREP Pilot reported weather conditions.
(*) PITBULL Informative call from the pilot stating that the missile is now active, inbound the target. Because the fighter is breaking away, there is no way for him to know if the target is hit and disappear. So the controller should check if, after 20 seconds, the target is still alive and inform the pilot.
PLAYMATE Friendly ship, craft or aircraft with which I am co-operating.
PLAYTIME Amount of time an aircraft can remain On station.
POGO

Return to this frequency if you have no contact on the designated frequency or channel.

E.g “NATO51, channel 5, pogo”.
(*) POP-UP

A radar contact which has suddenly appeared at close range. In Picture Building, Popup threat must be broadcast in tactical when appearing within 20nm.
PORT Directive requiring aircraft to turn to the left. May specify a heading or a number of degrees.
(*) POSIT

Request for position; response normally in terms of a geographic landmark, or off a common reference point.

Posit is the preferred term for positioning friendly fighters between each other.
(e.g. “Red 2 posit?” – “Red 2, posit bulls 240/45”)
(*) PRESS

A maneuver where a fighter puts himself into a position against a target where the target is forced to make a hard turn, thereby using up speed and energy.

E.g. “2, press”. “Roger, 2 in hot”. “Roger, 1 out, extending”.
PUMP (ING)

Directive/descriptive call indicating the fighters are maneuvering up to 180° away from the threat with the intention of recommitting, depending on the tactical situation.
PUSH

Call by a formation leader that the formation should depart their present frequency for the next frequency.

E.g. “Puma 21, push channel 2”
PUSH (ING) Directive/informative call indicating the offensive strike (COMAO) has reach the Time (Push time) and the Point (PUSH point) to start the Ingress towards the enemy target area.
RADIAL Aircraft's magnetic bearing from a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) station.
RANGE Distance in nautical miles.
(*) RANGE (SPLIT)

Two or more groups primarily separated in distance along the same bearing. Do not use the term “split” any more.

RANGE SPLIT.png
REPORT Pass requested information.
RESCAP

Rescue Combat Air Patrol, provides protection to vehicles from hostile forces during all

phases of SAR.
RESET Aircraft return to CAP.
RESET SSR/SIF Mode/Code not correct or not decoding, reselect mode and/or code.
RETURNING Informative call indicating the fighters are returning to CAP.
ROGER I have understood your last transmission.
ROLEX

Informative/directive call indicating a time change in minutes from a given datum. (the term “plus” will indicate later time and the term :minus” will indicate an earlier time.)
ROLL OUT Do not turn as far as previously directed; roll out of turn on heading now specified.
RTB Return to base.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE) Rules and safety criteria by which all players must abide. They are different for each major command, but the strictest ROE must be observed for the whole mission.
SAFE Not armed. Non-active condition. (See: ARM SAFE/HOT)
SAFE (OR SANCTUARY) HEIGHTS Altitudes aircraft must be at when within 10 miles of the adversaries with no Tally; to avoid being co-altitude. When Tally, the fighters may go to separation altitudes as specified in the ROEs.
SAME

Informative reply indicating that the aircrew/controller has the identical radar contact/status as was just stated.
SANDWICH A situation where a fighter is attacking an enemy, however, a fighter is also being attacked by a second enemy; i.e., a condition where an offensive advantage is negated by positioning the defender's wingman behind the offensive fighters. A multiple sandwich is often called a Daisy Chain.
SANITIZE Perform a radar scan in given direction and report to Flight Lead
SAY AGAIN Repeat entire message, or specific item.
SET SPEED_____ Adjust speed to stated Mach/knots.
SHACKLE One weave, a single crossing of flight path.
SHADOW Directive to closely follow designated target;implies remaining unobserved.
SHEPHERD Use recognised procedure to conduct the intercepted aircraft as directed.
SHINING

Informative call indicating that a fighter is radar locked on to the Bogey. Further details of heading, bull’s eye position or angels may be necessary.
SINGLE One object (aircraft, ship, contact....).
SITUATIONAL

The aircrew/controller's ability to comprehend all facets of AWARENESS (S.A) an intercept/ engagement to include present and projected spatial relationships between his aircraft and all opposing aircraft.
SKIP IT

Disregard the indicated contact or target. E.g “MAGIC, Tiger Blue, contact 080/60”, “Roger Tiger, skip it, your target 110/75”.
SLOW Any detection with a ground speed of between 200 to 400kts.
SLOW

Estimated aircraft speed less than M 0,6 or 30 SNAP (vector). A quick vector to the engagement or nearest bogey. Normally used when a pilot momentarily loses visual contact with the fight and needs directions to get back to it.
SNAPSHOT

A high angle off gun shot with little chance of success because the target is in gunsight only momentarily.
(*) SORTED Sort responsibility within a group has been met
SPIKE (D)

Informative call of a RWR indication of a Hostile AI radar lock-on.

My RWR shows that I am being tracked by an aircraft AI radar CW illuminator. E.g “Tiger Blue, spiked, 080/10.
SPLASHED Enemy aircraft shot down. (Followed by number and type).
SPLASH (ED) Training term for simulated destruction or kill.
SPLIT (ING) Contact/flight is separating. Directive to separate.
SPOOFING Informative that voice deception is being employed.
SQUAWK (-) CODE (-) Operative IFF/SIF transponder as instructed.
SQUAWKING_____ Operating IFF/SIF in Mode an Code indicated.
SQUAWK STANDBY Directive to switch off IFF.
(*) STACK

Two or more contacts, or formations with a high or low altitude separation in relation to each

other within group criteria.
STANDBY

1. Wait, wait for instructions

2. State of IFF equipment. (See Squawk Standby)
STARBOARD Directive requiring aircraft to turn to the right. May specify a heading or number of degrees
(*) STATUS

1. Request for an individual’s tactical situation.

2. (Group) Request for a full positional update in digital Bullseye format on the specified group.
STEADY Aircraft is on prescribed heading.
STERN Request for, or directive, to intercept using stern geometry.
STINGER Formation of three or more aircraft with single in trail.
STRANGLE Turn off equipment indicated, ie. Stop Buzzer; Strangle Parrot.
STRANGER

Air traffic in close proximity which is not a threat, nor a participant in a mission, but which might represent a flight safety hazard.
SWEEP Aircraft tasked with entering an area for the purpose of achieving air superiority. Purely offensive in nature.
(*) SWEET Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.
SWITCH To break off an attack on one enemy in favour of attacking another.
TACTICAL

Range and bearing centred on the position of the designated fighter.

E.g. “Chivas Bravo, target, tactical, 245/65NM”.
TALLY

Visual contact with target/bandit. Controller to continue to pass target information.
TALLY-HO

Visual contact with Bandit/Target. Pilot taking over the interception. Controller stops passing target information.
TARGET Inclusive word used to describe any aircraft being Intercepted during an air defence exercise.
TERMINATE

Repeated three times. A routine termination of an ACT engagement. E.g. “Terminate, terminate, terminate”.
TEXACO Tanker aircraft.
TIME HACK

Informative broadcast call to remind crews to change rotating IFF mode in accordance with COMPLAN/SPINS.
TIME CHECK Request for time synchronisation signal.
TRAIL Formation of two or more aircraft following each other.
TRAILER The last aircraft in formation.
UNABLE Cannot comply as requested/directed.
VECTOR Directive to turn to heading indicated.
VERY FAST Any detection with a ground speed of more than Mach 1.
VERY HIGH Estimated altitude above 50 000 feet AMSL.
VERY LOW Any detection flying below 500 feet.
VERY SLOW Any detection with a ground speed of less than 200 knots.
VIC Three groups with the single closest in range and an element in trail.
VISUAL Visual contact with friendly aircraft.
VISUAL IDENTIFICATION (VID) Visual Identification of a bogey to determine if he is hostile.
(*) WALL Three or more groups line abreast/side by side.
WEAVE Two fighters, or elements, continually crossing each other, then reversing and re-crossing. It is used to increase the radar and visual coverage of the fighters by looking both straight ahead and out to the sides. Also used to confuse the enemy radars.
(*) WEDGE

Tactical formation of 3 or more aircraft, within a group, with the single in front and the other aircraft laterally displayed on either side behind the leaders wing-line.
WHAT LUCK What are/were the results of assigned mission?
WHAT STATE Report fuel and weapons configuration in accordance with procedures/directives. Used with approved codes.
WILCO Received your message, understand and will comply.
ZIPLIP Hold UHF communications to a minimum (MINCOM)

8-QRA Mission

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Introduction

Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) is a state of readiness and responsiveness maintained by air forces and other military bodies worldwide. Its purpose is to deter, detect, and counter threats promptly. When the order to take-off (scramble) is triggered, the alert aircraft (single or in pair) have a minimum delay to take-off. Therefore, they have to be prioritized over all other traffic.

Alert Status

Alert Status is preset and must be published 2mn, 5min, 15min, 30min or 1 HR). It is the delay between the scramble order and the effective take off of the QRA asset.

Scramble

The scramble is the code word for the order to take-off. It is received by the pilot directly from the Scramble authority.

Scramble Authority

In Real World, the scramble Authority for QRA is the AOC (Air Operation Center).
In Simulation:

Interception

Target designation

QRA is not a war or combat action, therefore all communication are not subjected to the usage of Brevity words and codewords, except those commonly used during training sorties. 
After the pilot has checked in, the controller must provide the following target information

Method of Control

Depending on the controller’s qualification or the mission requirement, different methods of control can be provided. The following is applicable in all cases, whether you fly in OAT IFR, VFR or TACTICAL and not only for QRA sortie.

Method Responsibility Description
CLOSE POSITIVE MISSION --> CONTROLLER
SAFETY --> CONTROLLER

In a Close Positive control sortie, controllers are responsible for mission completion and for keeping the safety separation :

  • Between all aircraft he is controlling (except within formations),
  • From strangers.
LOOSE POSITIVE MISSION --> PILOT
SAFETY --> CONTROLLER

In a Loose Positive control sortie, the controller transmits only information to the pilot, with no commands. Pilot is responsible for the mission completion but controller remains responsible for keeping the safety separation : 

  • Between all aircraft he is controlling (except within formations),
  • From strangers.
CLOSE ADVISORY MISSION --> CONTROLLER
SAFETY --> PILOT		 In a Close Advisory control sortie, controllers are responsible for mission completion while pilot is responsible for his own flight safety.
LOOSE
ADVISORY		 MISSION --> PILOT
SAFETY --> PILOT		 In a Loose Advisory control sortie, the
controller transmits only information to
the pilot, with no commands. Pilot is
responsible for the mission completion
and for his own flight safety.
BROADCAST MISSION --> PILOT
SAFETY --> PILOT		 The controller will transmit general information and activity within the designated area in the form of Broadcast. The format of the broadcast will depend on the tactical situation. Pilot is
responsible for the mission completion and flight safety.

So this means that:

 

Finale Approach

Always from rear sector and never interfering with target route.

 

Active Measures

Active measures apply to all aircraft using national airspace, including light aircraft. 

They are intended to prevent situations such as a deviation from course, entry into a prohibited zone, lack of communication with air traffic control or technical issue encountered by crews in controlled spaces.

The aim is to strengthen the protection of airspace against aerial threats, whether they are protesting or simply unintentional.

EID

Electronic Identification to describe number of contacts, radiations if able

 

NATO X-Ray, Sunrise, execute EID and report

Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, radar contact 1 spot
VID

Visual Identification to describe number and type of a/c, configuration, flight parameters. Pilot must be reminded that the minimum separation is 1000 feet and 1000 meters.

NATO X-Ray Sunrise, execute VID and report
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, visual on 1 aircraft, airliner twin jet (or B737 if able), steady level and speed
SURVEILLANCE

Conservative measure. This is an escort with the minimum separation of 1000 feet and 1000 meters.

NATO X-Ray Sunrise, maintain air surveillance
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, maintain surveillance, 1000ft 1000m
VISUAL INTERROGATION

Visual interrogation to gain more accurate details (Registration, company, persons onBoard, national markings ...). Cleared to close 300 meters.

NATO X-Ray Sunrise, execute Visual Interrogation and report
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, B737 Registration G-LLOQ, EasyJet, souls onboard
RADIO INTERROGATION

If the bogey is member of a VSO, this measure consists in getting information through radio call.

NATO X-Ray Sunrise, execute radio interrogation on frequency 121.500
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY wilco .../... B737 G-LLOQ flying north of HAM at FL310, this is NATO X-RAY fighter, say your departure and destination airfields and if you experience some technical issue.
ESCORT

Escort is necessary to accompany a plane along its route.

NATO X-Ray Sunrise, execute ESCORT
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, maintain escort
DIVERSION

A diversion may be required to force an aircraft to change its course or to land on a designated airfield.

 

NATO X-Ray, Sunrise, execute DIVERSION to exit National airspace on heading XXX 

Or... NATO X-Ray, Sunrise, execute DIVERSION to EDDH, pigeon 185/75
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, proceeding to diversion on heading XXX (or to EDDH)
WARNING SHOT

The warning shot can be executed only on the formal order of a high government authority and must be authenticated.

This measure must be followed by a resumption of the previous measure.

If no positive attitude after the Diversion order, the bogey may be classified Hostile by high authority.

 

NATO X-Ray, Sunrise, execute WARNING SHOT, picture is clear, authenticate XBCF
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, authentication correct, executing WARNING SHOT
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, WARNING SHOT COMPLETED. Resuming DIVERSION
DESTRUCTION

The destruction measure is the ultimate measure It can only be carried out on formal order and after an unsuccessful Warning Shot.

 

NATO X-Ray, Sunrise, Bogey now HOSITLE, clear to ENGAGE and KILL, picture is clear, authenticate ABCD
Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, authentication correct, Engaging Hostile

Sunrise, NATO X-RAY, Hostile splashed

 

Chain of Command

Pilot may expect some delay between their last transmission and the measure that will be decided then. This is due to the reports and discussions between AOC and High authorities. Pilot must be accurate in the information transmitted and patient.

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