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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)