F pole (intercept terminology)
The seperation between launch aircraft and the target at missile endgame / impact
A pole (intercept terminology)
Distance from the launch aircraft to target when a missile begins active guidance
Mate (intercept terminology)
The range beyond which fighters' air intercept radar scans overlap, in altitude coverage
Meld (intercept terminology)
The range at which fighters will move their radars out of their assigned search blocks and target the specified group, also directive from the flight lead to do so
Factor range (intercept terminology)
During merge tactics, the minimum acceptable distance between the group being merged with by fighters and the next near west groups.
Picture (intercept terminology)
A request to provide information pertinent to the mission in a digital bullseye format unless briefed otherwise.
New picture (intercept terminology)
Used by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed
Group (intercept terminology)
Any number of air contacts within 3 NM in azimuth and range of eachother
Heavy (intercept terminology)
A GROUP known to contain 3 or more CONTACTS
Hot (intercept terminology)
Initiate or initiating a turn in the combat air patrol toward the anticipated threats
Cold (intercept terminology)
Initiate(ing) a turn in the combat air patrol away from the anticipated threats
Commit (intercept terminology)
Intercept the GROUPS of interest
Hits (intercept terminology)
Momentary radar returns in search mode ; or, from fighters only, indicates approximate target altitude
Paints (intercept terminology)
An interrogated group / radar contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF modes and correct codes established for the ID criteria
Clean (intercept terminology)
No sensor information on a non - group of interest
Drop / dropping (intercept terminology)
Directive or informative call to stop / stopping monitoring of specified emitter / target / group and resume/resuming search responsibilities
Translation range (intercept terminology)
Minimum range at which a fighter should employ active missiles to achieve an active state and perform an out by desired out range (DOR)
Minimum out range (MOR) (intercept terminology)
Minimum range from the threat to execute an OUT, and kinematically defeat all airborne missiles and allow for a recommit by the flight.
Minimum re-commit range (MRR) (intercept terminology)
Minimum range at which a fighter can execute an IN, shoot with no sort assumed, and skate by MAR
Declare (intercept terminology)
Inquiry as to ID specific track, target, or correlated GROUP
Bandit (intercept terminology)
An aircraft identified as enemy in accordance with (IAW) theater ID criteria. Term does not imply direction or authority to engage
Bogey (intercept terminology)
A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown
Hostile (intercept terminology)
A contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire us authorized in accordance with the theater rules of engagement
Hot (intercept geometry)
Contact stabilized at 0-20 degrees angle from nose or 160-180 degrees from tail (fighters passing infront of the threat)
Flank (intercept geometry)
Contact stabilized at 30-60 degrees angle from nose or 120-150 degrees from tail. Given with cardinal and sun cardinal direction
Beam (intercept Geometry)
Contact stabilized at 70-110 degrees of aspect. Generally given with a cardinal or sub cardinal direction
Drag (intercept geometry)
Contact stabilized at 120-180 degrees angle from nose or 0-60 degrees from tail
Music / strobes (intercept terminology)
Electronic jamming observed on radar.
Target / targeting (intercept terminology)
Directive calls assigning targeting responsibilities
Locked (intercept terminology)
Radar lock on
Sorted (intercept terminology)
Sort responsibility within a group has been met
fox 1 (intercept terminology)
Semi active radar guided missile (example: AIM-7 Sparrow)
Fox 2 (intercept terminology)
Infrared (IR) guided missile (example : AIM-9 sidewinder)
Fox 3 (intercept terminology)
Active radar guided missile (Ex: AIM-120 AMRAAM or AIM-54 Phoenix)
Husky (intercept terminology)
Informative call that active radar missiles is at high pulse repetition frequency active range
Pitbull (intercept terminology)
Informative call that the AIM-120 is at medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF) active range
Decision Range (DR) (intercept terminology)
The minimum range at which a fighter can execute the briefed notch maneuver, remain there for a prebriefed period of time in an attempt to defeat spikes, and then execute an abort or exit maneuver. This maneuver will kinematically defeat any missiles shot at the fighter and momentarily keep the fighter outside the threat's max stern WEZ once the abort maneuver is completed
Spike (intercept terminology)
Radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of an air intercept (AI) threat in track or launch
Notch (intercept terminology)
Directive or informative call that an aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with respect to an air to air threat
Naked (intercept terminology)
No Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Indications
IN (intercept terminology)
Informative call indicating a turn toward a known thewat
OUT (intercept terminology)
Informative call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to a known threat. Opposite of IN
Reset (intercept terminology)
Proceed to a pre briefed position or area of operations
Engaged (intercept terminology)
Informative inter-flight call from a fighter maneuvering in the visual arena to relinquish deconfliction responsibilities
Threat (intercept terminology)
Un-targeted HOSTILE/BANDIT/BOGEY is within a briefed range of a friendly aircraft
NO FACTOR (intercept terminology)
Stated (object) is not a threat
Minimum Abort Range (MAR) (intercept terminology)
The range at which an aircraft can execute an abort maneuver and initially kinematically defeat any missiles and momentarily remain outside an adversary's WEZ
Tally (intercept terminology)
Sighting of a target, non friendly aircraft or enemy position, opposite of NO JOY
No Joy (intercept terminology)
Aircrew does not have visual contact with the TARGET/BANDIT. Opposite of TALLY.
Visual (intercept terminology)
Sighting of a friendly aircraft or ground position, opposite of blind
Blind (intercept terminology)
No visual contact with friendly aircraft. Opposite of VISUAL.
Merge (intercept terminology)
(1) information that friendliest and targets have arrived in the same visual arena (2) informative call indicating radar returns have come together
Status (intercept terminology)
(1) request for an individual's tactical situation ; (2) (GROUP) request for a full positional update , in digital bullseye format, on the specified group
SNAPLOCK (BRAA)
(1) fighter request for an immediate BRAA call to the group described, indicates fighter intent to intercept or join (2) urgent directive call to turn to a heading
Leakers (intercept terminology)
Airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer. Call should include amplifying information.
Green {cardinal direction}
Direction of no known enemy threats
Joker (intercept terminology)
Fuel state above BINGO at which separation/bugout/event termination Gould begub
Bingo (intercept terminology)
Fuel state needed for recovery
Combat Air Patrol (CAP)
aircraft patrol provided over an objective area, over the force protected, over the critical area of a combat zone, or over an air defense area, for the purpose of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft before they reach their targets
Hard Deck (intercept terminology)
The minimum allowed altitude for fighters during a training evolution
Terminate (intercept terminology)
In training, cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise
Knock it off (intercept terminology)
In training, a directive call to cease all air combat maneuvers, attacks, activities, exercises
Air superiority (intercept terminology)
That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another which permits the conduct of operations by and he former and it's related land, sea , and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force
Abort (comm brevity)
Cease action or attack or event or mission
Alpha check (comm brevity)
Request for confirmation of bearing and range from described point to requesting aircrafts
Arm (comm brevity)
Contacts within a single group that maneuvers outside of the group criteria inside meld range
Away (comm brevity)
Release or launch of specified weapon at designated target, at minimum number or weapon type required
Azimuth (comm brevity)
1. A picture label describing two GROUPs separated latterly. GROUP names will be referenced by cardinal directions (IG. NORTH GROUP, SOUTH GROUP, or EAST GROUP, WEST GROUP) 2. Direction to the threat
Birds (comm brevity)
FRIENDLY surface to air missiles. Modifies include AWAY, NEGATE, AFFIRM
Bittersweet (comm brevity)
Notification of potential for blue-on-blue (fratricide) or blue-on-neutral situation
BOGEY DOPE (comm brevity)
Request for information on indicated or closest GROUP in BRAA format (with appropriate fill ins)
Box (comm brevity)
Picture label with GROUPS in a square or offset square
Buddy lock (comm brevity)
Radar locked to a known FRIENDLY aircraft. Normally a response to a SPIKED or BUDDY SPIKE (position or heading or altitude)
Buddy spike (comm brevity)
FRIENDLY system radar lock-on indication on radar warning receiver.
Champagne (comm brevity)
A picture label of three distinct GROUPS with two in front and one behind. GROUP names should be NORTH LEAD GROUP and SOUTH LEAD GROUP or WEST LEAD GROUP and EAST LEAD GROUP and TRAIL GROUP
Cheapshot (comm brevity)
Active missile data link terminated between high and medium pulse repetition frequency active
Closing (comm brevity)
Decreasing separation
Contact (comm brevity)
1. Sensor information at the stated position2. Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point (either visually or via sensor)3. Individual radar return within a GROUP or ARM
Crank (comm brevity)
Maneuver in the direction indicated. Implies illuminating target at or near radar GIMBAL limits
Crossing (comm brevity)
Two GROUPS initially separated in azimuth decreasing azimuth separation to pass each other
Deep (comm brevity)
Indicates separation between the nearest and farthest GROUPS in range in a relative formation of three or more GROUPS, used to describe a LADDER VIC CHAMPAGNE or BOX
Delouse (comm brevity)
Detect, identify, and engage (if required) unknown platform trailing FRIENDLY platform
Echelon (comm brevity)
Fill-in to a picture label describing GROUPS aligned behind and to the side of the closest GROUP
Feet dry (comm brevity)
Flying over land
Feet wet (comm brevity)
Flying over water
Fox (comm brevity)
Simulated or Actual launch of air - to - air weapons. 1: semi active radar guided missile2: infrared guided missile3: active radar - guided missile
Furball (comm brevity)
Non-FRIENDLY aircraft and FRIENDLY aircraft are inside of five nautical miles of each other. Can be response to a DECLARE request.
Gimbal (comm brevity)
Sensor target is approaching azimuth or elevation tracking limits
Gorilla (comm brevity)
Large force of indeterminate numbers and formation of unknown or non Friendly aircraft
Investigate (comm brevity)
1. Verify specified element(s) of rules of engagement, positive identification (PID), collateral damage estimate (CDE), and/or coordination of forces on the referenced target or track.2. Verify specified element(s) of ROE, PID, clear field of fire, and/or coordination of forces on the referenced target or track
Judy (comm brevity)
Aircrew has taken control of the intercept and only requires situation awareness information; controller will minimize radio transmissions
Ladder (comm brevity)
Picture label with three or more groups on the same azimuth but separated by range. GROUP names should be LEAD GROUP, SECOND GROUP, THIRD GROUP, and TRAIL GROUP or LEAD GROUP, MIDDLE GROUP, and TRAIL GROUP
Leaker / Leakers (comm brevity)
airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer. Call should include amplifying information
Magnum (comm brevity)
Launch of friendly anti radiation missile.
Mickey (comm brevity)
HAVE QUICK time-of-day signal
Miller time (comm brevity)
Completion of A/S ordnance delivery. Generally used by the last striker in conjunction with a pre coordinated egress plan.
Monitor (comm brevity)
1. Maintain(ing) sensor awareness on specified group or object. Implies that tactically significant changes will be communicated.2. Maintain contact or targeting information on a Maritime surface contact.
Nails (comm brevity)
1. Radar warning receiver indication of airborne interceptor (AI) radar in search.2. 2.75 inch flechette rockets
Naked (comm brevity)
No radar warning receiver indications
Negate (comm brevity)
Friendly surface to air weapons platform is unable to engage specified target. Opposite of affirm
Opening (comm brevity)
Increasing separation
Out (comm brevity)
Turn or turning to a cold aspect relative to a known threat
Package (comm brevity)
Geographically isolated collection of groups outside of briefed range
Passing (comm brevity)
Two GROUPS initially separated in range, decrease range separation and are passing each other
Picture (comm brevity)
A request to provide information pertinent to the mission in a digital bullseye format unless briefed otherwise
Pig/pigs (comm brevity)
FRIENDLY glide weapon(s) (ex joint stand off weapon {JSOW} )
Playmate (comm brevity)
Cooperating aircraft
Pop up (comm brevity)
1. GROUP that has suddenly appeared between the MELD and threat range 2. Criteria used as a self defense method, within the ROE, to protect friendly air defense elements from hostile aircraft
Pump (comm brevity)
A briefed maneuver to minimize closure on the threat or geographical boundary with the intent to re Engage
Pure (comm brevity)
Pursuit is being used or directions e to go pure pursuit
Range (comm brevity)
A picture label describing two groups separated in distance along the same line of bearing. Group names will be lead group and trail group
Skate (comm brevity)
Informative or directive call to execute launch and leave tactics at a pre briefed range. Modifiers include Long and Short
Smack (comm brevity)
Clearance to employ ordnance or fires on surface target coordinates.
Sort (comm brevity)
1. Assignment of responsibility within a group ; criteria can be met visually or electronically or both
Stack (comm brevity)
1. Two or more contacts within group criteria with an altitude separation in relation to each other2. Request for all airborne players and their assigned altitude block in the specified area
Strength (comm brevity)
Numerical strength of a track or group
Timeout (comm brevity)
1. Shooter assesses valid beyond visual range shit parameters have been met and missile has reached termination2. Munition impact is obscured and impact cannot be confirmed and tune of flight has elapsed
Trashed (comm brevity)
Friendly missile has been defeated
Vanished (comm brevity)
Special case of FADED defined as a group/arm/ contact with no available sensor data and is1. Not in a known sensor blind zone 2. Correlated to a shot by friendly forces
Vic (comm brevity)
Picture label with three groups with the single closest in range and two groups, azimuth split in trail, group names should be lead group and north trail group and south trail group or east trail group and west trail group
Wall (comm brevity)
Picture label with three or more groups primarily split in azimuth, group names should be north group middle group south group or west group middle group east group
Weighted (comm brevity)
Fill in for champagne, Vic wall or ladder when one or more groups are out of position or offset from the standard picture label.
Wide (comm brevity)
Separation between the farthest groups in azimuth in a relative formation of three or more groups used to describe wall Vic champagne or box
1st Generation aircraft
Basic avionics systems with no radars or self protection countermeasures. Armed with machine guns or cannons as well as unguided bombs and rockets. The jet engines did not have afterburners and the aircraft operated in the subsonic regime
Second generation aircraft
Air to air radar, infrared and semi active guided missiles, as well as radar warning receivers. Advances in engine design and aerodynamics which allowed the aircraft to reach and sustain supersonic speed levels in flight. Air to air engagements still within visual range
Third generation aircraft
Doppler radar supported a "look down shoot down" capability with off bore sight targeting and semi active guided radio frequency missiles like the AIM-7 sparrow and AA-7 Apex. Aerial engagements moved to beyond visual range.
Fourth generation aircraft
Heads up displays (HUD) and optimized aerodynamic design continued with the development of 'fly by wire' fighters
Fifth generation aircraft
Nose to tail low observable or stealth technologies as part of the aircrafts design that make it almost impossible for even other generation five fighters to detect them
3 types of Surface to air missiles (SAM)
Infrared (IR)Command guidance (CG)Semi active radar homing (SARH)
Characteristics of the Infrared (IR) SAMs
Passive form of guidance. SAMs track a targets beat and home into it
Characteristics of the Command Guidance(CG) SAMs
Active form of guidance that require constant directional updates from ground control stations (GCS) during their flight
Characteristics of SARH SAMs
Radar receiver within the missile jones in on the reflected radar signals sent to a target aircraft from a target acquisition radar station
Group 1 UAS operating altitude
<1200 AGL
Group 2 UAS operating altitude
<3500 AGL
Group 3 and 4 UAS operating altitude
<18,000 AGL
Group 5 UAS operating altitude
> 18,000
AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile
Shirt range air to air missile carrier on a wide range of modern tactical aircraft. (Fox 2)
AIM-7 Sparrow Missile
Medium range air to air beyond visual range semi active guidance missile (Fox One)
AIM-120 AMRAAM
Medium to long range air to air beyond visual range active guidance missile. (Fox Three)
MK-80 family
Air to ground general purpose bomb are air dropped unguided munitions that are designed to be effective against enemy troops vehicles and buildings
MK- 82 designation
500 Lbs
MK-83 designation
1000 lbs
MK-84 designation
2000 lbs
Cluster Bomb Unit (CBU)
Air to ground bombs Consists of one time of bomb casing filled with a large number of either Antipersonnel, anti materiel, or antitank munitions. Designed to provide a high kill or damage probability against area, moving, and point targets
MK-20 rockeye
Air to ground bomb Designated for anti armor use, can also be used against other targets such as trucks missile sites radars and fuel storage tanks
CBU-59/B antipersonnel /anti material weapon
Highly effective against both personnel and lightly armored equipment under a wide variety of terrain conditions
CBU-78 Gator
Rapidly planting a minefield. Extremely effective against armored vehicles and personnel for area denial and harassment
Laser guided bomb
Air to surface guided bomb that uses semi active laser guidance to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)
A guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into all weather smart munitions
Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW)
Standardized medium range precision guided weapon, especially for engagement of defended targets from outside the range of standard anti aircraft defenses thereby increasing aircraft sir i ability and minimizing friendly losses
AGM-88C/D high speed anti radiation missile (HARM)
Tactical air to surface anti radiation missile designed to home in on electronic transmissions coming from surface to air radar systems
AGM-88E advanced anti radiation guided missile
Like the HARM, it's mission is suppression of enemy defenses (SEAD)
Characteristics of the AV-8B harrier
Second generation vertical/short takeoff and landing or V/STOL ground attack aircraft. Primary mission close air support (CAS) secondary mission of air intercept and ground attack
Characteristics of the F/A-18A++ Hornet
Single or dual seat supersonic, all weather carrier capable multi role fighter jet. Primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) air interdiction l, close air support and air reconnaissance. A/C models are single seat and D has dual seat
Characteristics of the F-35B Lightning II
5th generation, single-seat, single-engine, stealth multi role aircraft. A models is USAF, B is USMC, and C is USN
Characteristics of the KC-130J Hercules
Multi role multi mission tactical tanker / transport. Serve as airborne tankers for rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft with the probe and drogue method. Conducts flight ferrying operations, transportation operation, extends time on station, and extends mission range
Characteristics of the F-15C Eagle / F-15E Strike eagle
Single or dual seat, long range, multi role, air superiority fighter. It's primary mission is air to air and it's secondary mission is air to ground
Characteristics of the F-16 fighting falcon
Lightweight single or dual seat, multi role, medium range, air superiority fighter, the primary mission is air to air intercept and the secondary mission is air to ground
Characteristics of the F-22 Raptor
Single seat, twin engine, 5th generation that uses stealth technology, primary mission air superiority secondary missions, ground attack electronic warfare and signals intelligence
Characteristics of the A-10 Thunderbolt II warthog
Single seat twin engine straight wing aircraft, designed for USAF requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles,and other ground targets. Designed around the GAU-8 Avenger autocannon
Characteristics of the B-52 Stratofortress
Long range subsonic jet powered strategic bomber, capable of carrying up to 70,000 lbs of weapons, equipped with 8 turbojet engines, built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War era deterrence missions, commonly referred to as The Buff
Characteristics of the B-1B lancer
Four engine supersonic variable sweep wing jet powered strategic bomber, supersonic component of the USAF long range bomber force, commonly called Bone "B-one
Characteristics of the B-2 spirit
Low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti aircraft defenses. Can drip up to 80 500 lb JDAM GPS guided bombs or 16 2,400 lb B83 nuclear bombs. Capable of attack missions up to 50,000 ft with a range of more than 6,000 NM in internal fuel
Characteristics of the AC-130 Ghostrider
Heavily armed ground attack aircraft. Used for close air support air interdiction air missions bombing raids and force protection
Characteristics of the KC-135 stratotanker
USAF aircraft modified to tanker that has the same basic frame as many other reconnaissance and command post variants. Used primarily as an in theater refueled initially tasked to refuel strategic bombers
Characteristics of the KC-10 extender
USAF aircraft operated largely in the strategic refueling of large number of tactical aircraft on ferry flights and the refueling of other strategic transport aircraft. Max fuel capacity 356,000 lbs
Characteristics of the KC-46 Pegasus
Design uses a modified Boeing 767. Provides both boom, and probe/drogue refueling capabilities. Can receive fuel from other tankers. Palletized cargo and aerodynamic capacities chemical biological radiological and nuclear survivability.
Characteristics of the C-5 Galaxy
USAF heavy intercontinental range strategic airlift capability , cargo load 270,000 lbs can fly 2150 NM
Type of radar THAAD uses
AN/TPY-2
Type of radar patriot uses
AN/MPQ-65 or the AN/MPQ-104
Type of radar the Aegis system uses
AN/SPY-1