Tactical Formations
Combat Cruise and Combat Spread
Combat Cruise
What defines TERF flight?
intent to fly below 200’AGL
Types of TERF profiles for the CH
Low-Level and Contour
Low-Level characterized by
Constant airspeed and altitude
Contour characterized by:
vary altitude and airspeed as dictated by obstacles
Tactical Formation Maneuvers: all 9
Tac turn 1. HDG change 2. Command
2 fundamentals to a TAC turn
TAC turn away from wing
Lead maintains hdg and wing immediately turns. As Wing passes 5 or 7oc Lead Turns
TAC Turns into Wing
Wing maintains heading until Lead passes 5 to 7oc position and then Wing turns.
Center Turns
Center turns are turns of 120 to 240 degrees of heading change. When the aircrew receive the command “CALL SIGN FLIGHT, CENTER,” both aircraft turn toward each other while maintaining power. Wingman should delay turning momentarily until abeam the position in space in which lead commenced the turn IOT remain DASH 2
In-place Turns 1. When to use 2. Command 3. Procedure
Split Turn 1. HDG Change 2. Command 3. Procedure
Cross Turn 1. HDG Change 2. Command 3. Procedure
Break Turns 1. HDG Change 2. Command 3. Procedure
Max a/c performance maneuvers 2. “Break Left/Right.” 90 degrees is understood 3. Both a/c immediately conduct max performance turn to quickly orient the flight in the new direction.
Dig and Pinch
Tactical lead uses to adjust the separation of the flight. 1. Dig = both a/c turn 30 to 45 degrees away from center of the flight 2. Pinch = both a/c turn inward 30 to 45 degrees. 3. Resume = a/c return to their original heading
Cover
added to any formation maneuver to tell wing to break horizontal plane with tactical lead by either increasing or decreasing altitude
HAC
Ultimately responsible for mission accomplishment. A HAC must demonstrate leadership qualities and traits that enable an aircraft to be flown with minimal guidance, as well as utilize and employ the crew and weapons system to facilitate mission accomplishment.
What does METT-TC stand for?
Mission Enemy Terrain and weather Troops and support Time available Civil considerations
Go Criteria
Prerequisites that need to be met. Based on friendly disposition. Should be developed to support essential tasks.
No-Go
Prevent the mission from happening. Based on enemy disposition and weather
5 Contingencies that must always be considered:
TRAP CASEVAC Immediate Reembark Emergency extract Asset attrition
What are the responsibilities of a HAC?