Unit 5: Intercept Proression

INTERCEPT PROCEDURES TEXTBOOK

UNIT 5: INTERCEPT PROGRESSION

IP-12: INTERCEPT PROGRESSION

Introduction

The aircrew have now been exposed to the various spatial relationships and their functions in

the intercept triangle. Collision course corrections, displacement points and ranges, and proper

drift control during the counterturn have all been discussed. Because each part of the intercept

has been introduced individually, this unit will separate a reattack/pursuit intercept into three

distinct phases, giving the aircrew a logical framework from which to approach all intercepts.

Initial Phase of the Reattack/Pursuit Intercept

First of all, the term reattack refers to the breaking-off of a collision intercept after either

employing a forward quarter, radar missile ("attack") or having forgone the beyond visual range

(BVR) missile shot, proceeding to displacement and executing a counterturn to arrive in the rear

quarter with a second shot opportunity ("reattack"). The pursuit intercept is executed in the same

way as the reattack except it is done entirely in PLS, holding the radar lock (STT) until just

before the rear quarter shot.

In the initial phase, GCI information will be used to determine target aspect and establish a

collision course. Once, based on GCI information, a collision course is established and the

bogey is acquired, the aircrew will make a contact call. The weapons officer must then carefully

analyze the scope to ensure that a collision course has actually been established. If the contact is

not on CB within rounds, a CCC is required. (Assumes CCCs have not stopped due to timeline;

see Mid Phase of the Reattack/Pursuit Intercept.)

During the initial phase of the intercept, proper radar search techniques will greatly enhance

early bogey detection. Use of the appropriate sector scan and realistic elevation search increments

and limits must be used. Elevation differential (degrees) should be converted to altitude

differential (feet). The fighter will eventually need to make altitude corrections to achieve a co-

altitude situation in the rear-quarter of the bogey.

Mid Phase of the Reattack/Pursuit Intercept

The mid-phase of the intercept is a period for planning and observation. The AREO report,

which starts at 15nm, is now an essential tool, for it aids the pilot in visualizing the intercept.

The weapons officer must keep track of the intercept and make any necessary directive calls to

the pilot.

The weapons officer will continue to scan the scope and RMI to confirm a no-drift (collision)

situation. If the bogey is still not acquired, elevation search increments and limits will be

increased as the range decreases, using a methodical search technique. Two miles prior to the

displacement range (10 or 12 nm), target aspect analysis will be finalized. The weapons officer

will verbally state, via descriptive commentary, the appropriate displacement point and counterturn