The following is a list of operational brevity words and
terms to provide common understanding and minimize radio
transmissions while executing tactics described in this
manual. This common understanding, however, is dependent on
the following rules of engagement:
These lists are not all inclusive.
Use plain English when required.
Words listed below should be used in lieu of words or
phrases with similar definitions.
When a flight lead makes directive calls, the wingman
must respond with the directed action to the best of his
ability.
If the wingman uses a "directive" term/word, it is a
request and the flight lead reserves the right to
approve/deny the wingman's requested action.
Allied nations may have different meanings for some of the
terms/words listed here (reference ACP 165). They are
indicated by an asterisk (*) behind the term/word.
Scroll down or click a letter below to go directly to a
section:
Directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence
or maneuver.
AIRCRAFT AXIS
There are three axis which are mutually
perpendicular and have a common point of
intersection. The aircraft longitudinal axis is
parallel to the fuselage reference line. Aircraft
rotation around this axis is roll or bank. The
aircraft vertical axis is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis through the center of the
aircraft. Rotation around this axis is yaw. The
aircraft lateral axis is perpendicular to both
the longitudinal and vertical axes at the point
of intersection. Rotation around this axis is
pitch.
ALPHA CHECK
Request for bearing and range to described point.
ANCHOR
Orbit about a specific point; ground track flown
by tanker. Information call indicates a turning
engagement about a specific location.
ANGLE OF ATTACK (AOA)
The angle between the cord line of the wing and
the relative wind.
ANGLE-OFF
The angular difference between the longitudinal
axis of the attacker and the logitudinal axis of
the defender.
ANGELS
Height of aircraft in thousands of feet.
APEX/ALAMO
Training term used to denote simulated launch of
enemy, all-aspect radar missile.
APHID/ARCHER
Training term used to denote simulated launch of
enemy, rear hemisphere heat seeking missiles.
ARCING
Cutoff in plane of target motion to decrease
range to targetdefender allows attacker to use
cutoff.
ARM/ARMED (Safe/Hot)
Select armament (safe/hot), or armament is
safe/hot.
AS FRAGGED
Fighter, FAC, mission package, or agency will be
performing exactly as stated by the air tasking
order.
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.)
ATTACK/ATTACKING()
Indicates air-to-surface attack on a specific
ground target.
ATOLL
Rear hemisphere heat-seeking missile.
ATTACK AXIS
An orientation direction usually thought of as an
imaginary line passing through the target on some
particular headingexample, the range run-in
heading.
AUTHENTICATE()
To request or provide a response for a coded
challenge.
AUTONOMOUS
Aircrew is operating without benefit of GCI/AWACS
control.
AUTONOMOUS INTERCEPT
Intercepts initiated by aircrew when no target
information is being received from command and
control sources.
B
BANDIT(Radar/Heat/Striker)
Known enemy aircraft and type ordnance
capability, if known.
BARO
A term used synonymously used with System
Altitude. (See System Altitude)
BARREL ROLL MANEUVER
A vertical rolling maneuver used to reduce aspect
angle while keeping sight of the bogey and
maintaining nose-tail separation.
BASE (Number)
Reference number used to indicate such
information as headings, altitudes, fuels, etc.
BEAM/BEAMER (Direction)
Aircraft maneuvering stabilized within 700 to
1100 aspect; generally given with cardinal
directions: east, west, north, south.
BELLYCHECK
A momentary unloaded bank to check the blind side
of a turning aircraft.
()BENT
Identified system inoperative.
BFM ( Basic Fighter Maneuver )
Training designed to apply aircraft handling
skills to gain proficiency in recognizing and
solving range, closure, aspect, angle off, and
turning room problems in relation to another
aircraft to either attain a position from which
weapons may be employed or deny the adversary a
position from which weapons may be launched or
defeat weapons employed by an adversary. Examples
are the high speed yo-yo, quarter plane maneuver,
Immelmann turn, barrel roll. BFM training builds
appreciation of pursuit geometry, cutoff, radial
G, rolling maneuvers and energy management.
BFM ADVANTAGE
The command or use of maneuvering airspace
usually OUT OF PLANE OF A BANDIT`S TURN TO ALLOW
the attacker to gain or maintain an offensive
advantage or close to a gun solution. Requires
positional and/or energy advantage.
BINGO
Prebriefed fuel state which is needed for
recovery using prebriefed parameters.
BLIND
No visual contact with friendly aircraft;
opposite of term "VISUAL."
BLOWTHROUGH
Directive/informational call that indicates
aircraft will continue straight ahead at the
merge and not turn with target/targets.
BOGEY
A radar/visual contact whose identity is unknown.
BOGEY DOPE
A request for bearing and range to bogey and as
available, heading, speed, and altitude.
BOMB RANGE (BR)
The horizontal distance a bomb will travel from
release to impact.
BOMB TRAIL
The distance that represents bomb drag in weapon
ballistic computation.
BONE
Term used to indicate the formation will remain
in a Racetrack-type holding pattern (with all
wingmen's tums into lead); exit formation must be
specified by lead.
BOX
Groups/contacts/formations in a square or offset
square.
BRACKET
Indicates geometry where aircraft will maneuver
to a position on opposing sides either laterally
or vertically from the target.
BREAK (Up/Down/Right/Left)
Directive to perform an immediate maximum
performance turn in the indicated direction.
Assumes a defensive situation.
BREVITY
Term used to denote radio frequency is becoming
saturated/degraded and briefer transmissions must
follow.
BROADCAST
Request/directive to switch to Broadcast Control.
BROKE LOCK
Loss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).
BUDDY SPIKE (Position/Azimuth/Altitude)
Receiving friendly AIRWR.
BUGOUT (Direction)
Combat separation for low fuel, loss of tactical
advantages or accomplishments of mission
objectives; intent is to permanently separate
from that particular engagement/attack.
BULLSEYE
An established reference point from which the
position of an aircraft can be determined.
BULLSEYE
An established reference point from which the
position of an aircraft can be transmitted.
Sometimes referred to as "broadcast control" if
more than one bullseye is used, designate by
Alpha, Bravo etc.
BUMP/BUMP-UP
A fly-up to acquire line of sight to the target
or laser designation.
BUNT
A pushover maneuver.
BURNER
Directive to select/deselect afterburner
(generally to fly at maximum speed).
BUZZER
Electronic communications jamming.
C
CAP/CAP(Location)
An orbit at a specified location. Establish a
combat air patrol at (location).
CATA
Collision Antenna Trail Angle. The azimuth of
your radar antenna when tracking (locked on) a
target that is on a collision course with your
aircraft.
CHAFF/ FLARE
Directive to deploy CHAFF and / or FLARES and
deselect AB (Situation permitting). Often added
immediately after directing a flight member to do
a defensive maneuver. Also informative by one
using CHAFF/FLARE(S) as a reminder to his partner
to use them when necessary.
CHAMPAGNE
An attack of three distinct groups with two in
front and one behind. The leading two groups are
attempting to bracket with the trailing third
group flying up the middle.
CHANDELLE TURN
A near vertical turn up, used to attack a high
bandit from a medium to front quarter aspect.
Does not require as much altitude separation as
the Immelmann turn. Should terminate in a rear
hemisphere weapons envelope with overtake.
CHATTERMARK
Begin using briefed radio procedures to counter
comm jamming.
CHEAP SHOT
A qualifying statement to indicate the shot had
low probability of success.
CHECK ( )
A directive statement made to momentarily monitor
(specified items/systems).No response is required
if status is normal.
CHECK LEFT/RIGHT
By GCI: Alter course ( ) degrees left or right
momentarily for airborne search positioning, then
resume original heading.
By Flight Lead: Alter course to new heading, 30
degrees if not specified.
CHECK ANGELS /FUEL
An information statement made by GCI to aircrew
ng ACBT. No aircrew response required.
CHICKS
Friendly fighter aircraft.
CHRISTMAS TREE
Directive to briefly turn on exterior lights to
enable visual acquisition.
CIRCLE (RIGHT/LEFT)
Flight-lead-directed defensive maneuver in which
the flight establishes a circular holding pattern
for mutual support.
CLEAN
No radar contacts; used to confirm a good battle
damage check (i.e., no air-to-surface ordnance
remaining on the wingman's aircraft).
CLEAR
No enemy aircraft are a threat to your rear
quadrantthat is, your six is clear. Also used
when flight lead is authorizing change of command
or role swap for wingman from supporting to
engaged.
CLEARED
Requested action is authorized (no
engaged/support roles are assumed).
CLEARED DRY
Ordnance release not authorized.
CLEARED HOT
Ordnance release is authorized.
CLOSE CONTROL
The maximum degree of control that GCI can
provide.
CLOSING
Bandit/bogey/target is getting closer in range.
COLD
In context; attack geometry will result in a pass
or roll out behind the target; or, on a leg of
the CAP pointed away from the anticipated
threats. Air-to-surface, dry or no-ordnance
attack.
"COLD" SIDE
The side of the RED opposite that where collision
antenna train angle occurs.
COMEBACK HIGH/ LOW/LEFT/RIGHT
Informative call requesting the addressed fighter
to reposition accordingly.
COMEOFF (Left/Right/High/Low/Dry)
A directive to maneuver as indicated to either
regain mutual support or to deconflict flight
paths for an exchange of engaged and supporting
roles. Implies both "visual" and "tally."
COMMITTED/COMMIT
Fighter intent to engage/intercept; weapons
director (WD) continues to provide information.
CONNING
Leaving contrails or otherwise marking aircraft
position.
CONTACT
Radar/IR contact at the stated position; should
be in bearing, range, altitude (BRA), Bullseye,
or geographic position format.
CONTACT
Radar and/or IP pick-up at the stated position.
Position usually stated in magnetic bearing,
range, altitude (BRA), Bullseye, or geographic
position format if locked on. Friend or foe
unknown.
CONTINUE
Continue present maneuver; does not imply
clearance to engage or expend ordnance.
CORNER VELOCITY
Minimum speed at which maximum allowable aircraft
G can be attained. Minimum turn radius and
maximum rate are achieved by most aircraft types
at corner velocity. The F-16ås unique
flight control character are such that it doesn't
have a corner velocity in this classic sense.IMG
SRC="/archive/images/img_arc-12/counter.jpg"
alt="COUNTER" align=bottom hspace=5
vspace=5>
COUNTEROFFENSIVE MANEUVERING
Maneuvers which are performed by an aircraft
under attack and which are designed to negate the
present threat and proceed to an offensive
position as the attacker.
COVER
Directive to assume briefed support position and
responsibilities.
CRANK (Direction)
F-Pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at
radar gimbal limits.
CROSS TURN/CROSS
A 180 heading reversal by a flight where aircraft
turn into each other.
CUTOFF
Request for, or directive to, intercept using
cutoff geometry.
D
DAISY CHAIN
Numerous fighters in-trail maneuvering for shots
on one another.
DEADEYE
Informative call by an airborne laser designator
indicating the laser is inoperative.
DEFENSIVE (Spike/Missle/SAM/Mud/AAA)
Aircraft is in a defensive position and
maneuvering with reference to the stated
condition. If no condition stated maneuvering is
with respect to A/A threat.
DEFENSIVE TURN
A planned turn designed to prevent an attacker
from entering/ remaining in the defender's
vulnerable cone. This maneuver has limitations
since it may allow arcing; however, done early
enough and properly executed, allows defender to
keep sight, makes attacker's BFM problem more
difficult, and may cause attacker to overshoot.
DEPLOY
Directive for the flight to maneuver to briefed
positioning.
DISENGAGE
Discontinue the current attack.
DIVERT
Proceed to alternate mission/base.
DOLLY
Data link equipment
DOPE
Directive to "delay the engagement."
DRAG/DRAGGING (Direction)
Bogey/Bandit maneuvering to 60 degress or less
aspect.
DUKE IT OUT
Meet the enemy head on to engage.
E
ECHELON (Cardinaldirection)
Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced
approximately 45 deg behind leader's wing line.
ELEMENT
Formation of two aircraft.
ENGAGED
Maneuvering with the intent of achieving a kill.
If no additional information is provided
(bearing, range, etc.), ENGAGED implies
visual/radar acquisition of target
ENGAGED (FIGHTER)
Indicates the fighter or element is maneuvering
to attain or deny weapons release parameters or
is in the visual arena maneuvering in relation to
the targetWC stops providing specific target
information and continues with situation
awareness information.
EXTEND (LEFT/RIGHT)
Gain energy and distance using proper energy
profile with the possible objective of reentering
the fight.
EXTENSION
A straight-line unloaded (slightly less than 1 G)
acceleration maneuver. This maneuver may be
interrupted by a series of checkturns so that the
extending fighter can maintain sight of the
attacking aircraft.
ESTIMATE
Using information available to provide data
required, implies degradation.
EXTEND (Direction)
Directive to gain energy and distance with the
possible intent of reengaging.
EYEBALL
Fighter with primary visual identification (VID)
responsibility.
F
FADED
Previous radar contact is lost
FAST
Target speed is estimated to be 600 knots ground
mach 1 or greater.
FEBA
Forward edge of the battle area as set during the
scenario briefing.
FEET WET/DRY
Flying over water/land.
FENCE
Boundary separating hostile and friendly area.
FENCE CHECK
Set cockpit switches as appropriate.
FIGHTER DOPE
Request for bearing and range to friendly
aircraft.
FLANK/FLANKING
Target with a stable aspect of 120 deg. to 150
deg.
FLARES
Flares have been detected or directive to deploy
flares.
FLASH (MODE)
Temporary activation of IFF transponder on
desired mode/code.
FLOAT
Directive/informative to expand the formation
laterally within visual limits to maintain a
radar contact or prepare for a defensive
response.
FOLLOW DOLLY
Follow data-link commands.
FOX
Air-to-air weapons employment.
FOX ONE
Simulated/actual launch of radar-guided missile.
FOX TWO
Simulated/actual launch of infrared-guided
missile.
FOX THREE
Simulated/actual launch of AMRAAM/Phoenix
missile.
FOX FOUR
Bomber gunner has simulated firing on a target.
FOX MIKE
VHF/FM radio.
FURBALL
A turning fight involving multiple aircraft.
FUSELAGE REFERENCE LINE (FRL)
A basic reference line extending through the
fuselage, parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the aircraft.
G
GADGET
Fire control radar / Emitter of radar equipment.
GADGET SICK
Airborne FCS/ ground equipment is degraded.
GADGET BENT
Airborne FCS/ ground equipment is inoperative.
GADGET WELL
Airborne FCS/ ground equipment is working.
GIMBAL (Direction)
Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation
limits.
GO ACTIVE
Go to briefed Have Quick net.
GO SECURE
Activate secure voice communications.
GORILLA
Large force of indeterminable numbers and
formation.
GREEN (Direction)
Direction determined to be clearest of enemy
air-to-air activity.
GROUP
Radar target(s) within approximately 3 NM of each
other.
GUN (Direction)
Visual acquisition of gunfire, AAA site, or AAA
fire.
GUNS
An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.
GUNS
Indicates a simulated guns shot.
GUNS BREAK
Directive call to perform a break out of the
plane.
GUNS JINK or JINK (DIRECTION)
Directive call to perform gun defensive
maneuvers.
H
HARD (Direction)
High-G, energy sustaining turn.
HARD TURN
Maximum G turn sustaining energy. Whether to use
AB or not is a briefing item.
HARMONIZATION
The adjustment of a gun and sight of an aircraft
so that when within effective range, the tracking
index will indicate the impact point of the
bullets.
HASSLE
Two or more aircraft involved in an air combat
maneuver.
HAWK
Staying above the flight.
HEAD
Target with an aspect of 160 deg. to 180 deg.
HEADS DOWN
Call to infom aircrew that leader/wingman is
head-down in the cockpit and wingman/leader is
responsible for clearing.
HEADS UP (Direction/Altitude)
Enemy/bogey got through; no kill.
HIGH
Target above 30,000 feet MSL.
HIGH DEFLECTION GUNSHOT
Gun attack during which the fighter is firing as
the bandit passes through the pipper at high
angle-off. Tracking is impossible due to
excessive line-of-sight rate of the bandit. High
deflection gun shots normally terminate in
close-in overshoots of the target's flight path
by the attacker.
HIGH YO-YO
An out of plane offensive BFM performed to
control overtake while closing from a low aspect.
Also used to reduce aspect angle.
HIT
Radar return in search (A/A). Weapons impact
within lethal distance (air-to-ground [A/G]).
HOLD DOWN
Directive to key transmitter for DF steer.
HOLDING HANDS
Aircraft are joined in formation, implies visual
contact by all flight members.
HOME PLATE
Home airfield.
HOOK (LEFT OR RIGHT)
Directive to perform an in-place 180 deg. turn.
HOOKING (LEFT OR RIGHT)
Directive/information call to approach target
from a single/indicated side.
HOT
In context; attack geometry will result in
rollout in front of the target; or on a leg of
the CAP pointing toward the anticipated threats
(A/A). Ordnance employment authorized, expected,
or completed (A/G).
"HOT" SIDE
The side of the REO where the collision antenna
train angle is located.
HOTEL FOX
HF radio.
HOUND DOG
Call made by supporting fighter or a wingman
indicating he has visual, tally, and a clear path
to the bandit and is in an advantageous position
to engage. Clock position and distance are
normally added to indicate bandit position
relative to the flight, or wingman position
relative to the leader.
I
ID
Directive to intercept and identify the target;
also aircrew ID accomplished, followed by type
aircraft.
IMMELMANN TURN
A vertical turn up designed to solve a high
angle-off and high aspect angle attack situation.
Optimally performed, the Immelmann turn should
terminate in the defender's 6 o'clock, within
heat missile range and a relatively high energy
state. Normally performed from head-on aspect
with large altitude separation.
IN PLACE (Left, Right)
Perform indicated maneuver simultaneously.
INTERCEPT
An intercept can begin at virtually any distance
beyond 15 NM. The object is to get outside of the
enemy radar cone and prevent them from detecting
your flight until you have launched on them
within high Pk parameters. An advantage is
maintaining formation integrity and isolating the
threat to one side while also achieving a good
altitude split in your formation.
IN TRAIL
Perform suggested maneuver maintaining relative
position in formation.
