Reaction to Jinks

INTERCEPT PROCEDURES TEXTBOOK

analysis. This can cause confusion! The unique characteristic of a heading jink is a "swing" in

the bogey's heading/TA vector, not the length of the vector. If noticed, this should be

corroborated with other indications; i.e. a "swing" away to a greater target aspect should have a

corresponding drop in ROC (if not masked by a speed jink) and inward drift (if previously on

collision).

Recognizing bogey jinks is a challenging skill to master and requires practice, patience and a

diligent scan of the radar presentation. Once a jink is recognized, the fighter must react properly

to counter the bogey's maneuvers and control the intercept.

Reaction to Jinks

Altitude: No reaction is necessary to counter bogey altitude jinks outside of 15 nm. Inside

of 15 nm, and with a tally, the weapons officer will direct the fighter to climb or descend to no

closer than 1,000' of bogey altitude, so as to not reach or cross bogey altitude. This will ensure

the bogey remains within the fighter's radar elevation limits throughout the counterturn.

Airspeed: For a slow bogey, the fighter has a tactical speed advantage and will preserve this

as long as possible and as long as headwork allows. For a fast bogey, logic would say to match

the bogey's airspeed once recognized. Others may prefer to wait until displacement; the key is

not forgetting to put the speed on at all and winding up with no shot and an opening contact.

Heading: With a bogey jink into or away at range, the fighter will simply assess new TA

and place the bogey back on the new collision angle off (DB off) or execute the gameplan for the

new TA (DB on). Since the fighter should not be matching bogey airspeed at these ranges, the

collision angle off may not be equal and opposite of target aspect. The fighter, for example,

would place a fast bogey with 30 degrees target aspect at 40 degrees angle off to achieve

collision. Also, during "jungle rules" intercepts, the bogey's target aspect may exceed 50

degrees. For aspects around 50 degrees, the possibility may exist to convert aspect down to

preserve a Fox-1 opportunity. Post F-1 range, the fighter MUST aggressively react to the initial

heading jink! Then, assess subsequent jinks/turning room, hot/cold situations and react

appropriately.

If target aspect exceeds 60 degrees, however, the fighter is no longer within the limits of the

bogey's radar. In this case, the bogey is now relying on GCI information, the fighter may want to

place him on the nose to monitor this defensive maneuver (expecting bogey to either run away or

jink to put the fighter's bearing near his nose). Conversely, the fighter may want to use a buster

and a cut-off vector and rely on cues (ROC, heading vector) to recognize a jink. The specific

reaction depends on scenario, fighter mission/mindset, and ROE. Whatever the case, with DB

off, a form of modified unknown procedures will be necessary to refine the bogey's new target

aspect estimation so a Fox-1 may be successfully employed.

In any phase of advanced intercepts, whatever techniques are chosen, be sure to understand

and be able to explain the reasoning behind their use.

153