Chapter Six Section Low Altitude Tatics and Procedures

CHAPTER SIX

SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES

600. INTRODUCTION

Tactical strike aircraft are designed to be the proverbial "tip of the spear". The ability to put

ordnance on an enemy target anywhere in the world at any time is the primary "power

projection" mission of carrier aviation.

In a hostile environment, modern day strike tactics generally entail precision ordnance delivery

from a high altitude sanctuary. Technology provides strike aircraft with the capability for long-

range accuracy from high altitude. Often however, low altitude tactics and ordnance delivery are

required due to system degradations or tactical requirements such as "close air support" (CAS).

It is this type of scenario that we will train for in VT-86. This chapter presents the basic

principles and procedures for a low-level section ingress and coordinated target attack.

The purpose of the weapons portion of the advanced syllabus is to demonstrate the low altitude

tactical environment in a multi-plane scenario. The T-2C weapons flights consist of two section

low-levels and one division sortie.

Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced SNFO training provided the basic knowledge and skills

necessary for the successful planning and execution of low-level navigation missions. The T-2C

Weapons syllabus flights will advance these skills with the introduction and practice of section

procedures and coordinated tactical target attacks with simulated ordnance delivery. This

chapter furnishes additional information needed for conduct of the T-2C tactical low-level

flights. Emphasis during the Weapons phase will be on turnpoint procedures, target acquisition,

situational awareness, wind analysis/correction application, and crew coordination. As with any

syllabus flight, basic FAM procedures will be the bedrock of every successful event. The

student's proficiency in the operation of communication and navigation equipment will be

emphasized.

601. ENABLING OBJECTIVES

1. Plan a low-level mission under visual meteorological conditions using recommended

procedures and FLIP to the accuracy of: fuel, + 100 lbs; time, + 6 sec.; course, + 2; and DD-175

(if required) with no errors.

2. Arrive at route entry point during low-level flight evolution + 5 min. of scheduled entry

time.

Execute standard turnpoint procedures during flight evolution without error.

4. Make recommendations, working with your pilot, to intercept and track a planned course

during low-level flight utilizing a chart and visual reference to the ground to the accuracy of 1

NM and 12 seconds.

SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES 6-1