Figure 3-13 Enroute Overtaking Rendezvous

CHAPTER THREE

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

Figure 3-13 Enroute Overtaking Rendezvous

TACAN Rendezvous

A TACAN rendezvous is a visual circular rendezvous employed to rendezvous a flight above the

weather after takeoff or during the mission if the flight is separated. The TACAN rendezvous is

normally executed in a left-hand turn tangent to the briefed TACAN fix (radial/DME) at a

specified airspeed, altitude, and direction (inbound or outbound). Figure 3-14 illustrates points

around the rendezvous circle are numbered from 1 to 4, with point 1 located at the TACAN fix

and sequential positions located at 90 intervals around the circle. Upon reaching the TACAN

fix, the Lead simultaneously calls his "call sign, point 1" and commences a 30 AOB turn in the

briefed direction. Passing each 90 position, the Lead transmits his position number until the

Wingman acquires a visual. The Lead must adjust the rendezvous turn to compensate for wind,

ensuring point 1 is always at the briefed TACAN fix. The Wingman will fly toward the point 1

fix, 500 feet below the briefed rendezvous altitude and will remain 500 feet below until the Lead

is in sight. At night, the Wingman will remain 500 feet below the lead until established on

bearing. The Wingman will transmit his position and initiate a turn in the briefed direction using

AOB as necessary. Each flight member will report his position, as required, in the rendezvous

circle as he passes a numbered position. From position reports, the Wingman establishes an idea

of the Lead's relative position, narrowing his visual search for the Lead. When the Wingman

sees the lead, the Wingman will call "visual" and fly to the rendezvous bearing line, climb to the

Lead's altitude, and proceed with a standard CV rendezvous. Initially, if the Lead's aircraft is

behind Wingman's wing line when a visual sighting is attained, then Wingman should proceed to

the center of the circle and maneuver aircraft in the lead/lag manner. The concept of lead/lag

3-12

TACTICAL/AERIAL REFUELING PROCEDURES