Military

Section I. Definitions

airborne stores. Items to be carried internally or externally by aircraft (racks, launchers, adapters, and detachable pylons) that normally are not separated from the aircraft in flight (tanks, pods, guns, nonexpendable training weapons, and targets).

airborne weapons. Items to be carried internally or externally by aircraft that normally are separated from the aircraft in flight (missiles, rockets, bombs, mines, torpedoes, pyrotechnics, and ammunition).

air-capable ship. All ships other than CV/CVN or LPH/LHA/LHD from which aircraft can take off, be recovered, or routinely receive and transfer logistic support.

air operations. A section of the operations department that coordinates all matters pertaining to flight operations, including the proper function of AOCC/HDC.

air operations control center/helicopter direction center. A centralized air control agency that is responsible for the status keeping and tactical control of all aircraft not assigned to CIC/TACC. It also is responsible for IMC approach and departure control and becomes the helicopter direction center for tactical control of the helicopters during an amphibious operation.

air taxi. Jetborne or hovering flight at very low speed between two points.

amphibious assault aviation ship. An LPH, LHA, or LHD.

amphibious task force commander. The Navy officer designated in the initiating directive as commander of an amphibious task force.

angels. Altitude in thousands of feet.

approach control. A control station in AOCC/HDC that is responsible for controlling air traffic from marshal until hand-off to PriFly or the final controller. It also and also provides close control for all CCA wave-off traffic until a radar hand-off to another control station has been accomplished.

arming. An operation in which a weapon is changed from a safe condition to a state of readiness for initiation.

arming area. The area where ordnance is changed from a safe condition to a state of readiness. All arming evolutions required to be accomplished in the arming area by the aircraft stores loading manual/checklist shall be performed in this area. Before arming starts and before the aircraft take off, the area in front, behind, and/or surrounding the aircraft shall remain clear.

aviation ordnance evolution. A shipboard ordnance evolution requiring the breakout, buildup, and staging of ordnance and the loading, arming, launching, recovering, and dearming of ordnance-carrying aircraft.

aviation ship. A CV or CVN or an LHA, LHD, or LPH.

base recovery course. The ship's magnetic heading for aircraft recovery.

bingo. An order to an aircraft to proceed immediately to a divert field. Bearing, distance, and destination shall be provided.

bow. The front section of a ship or boat.

braking stop. The aft-most position of the nozzle control lever, that gives a component of reverse thrust on V/STOL aircraft.

buster. An order used by a ship controller to direct an aircraft to proceed at maximum speed.

carrier controlled approach. See precision approach.

center. A collective radio call for AOCC/HDC prefixed by a ship's code name that is used in the same manner as the shore-based counterpart.

charlie. A signal for aircraft to land aboard the ship. A number suffix indicates time delay in minutes before the landing may be anticipated.

cherubs. Friendly aircraft altitude in hundreds of feet.

clara. A pilot transmission meaning he does not have the visual landing aid (meatball) in sight.

close control. The tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit whereby the aircraft receives orders affecting its movements. The pilot shall not deviate from instructions given him unless given clearance or unless unusual circumstances require him to take immediate action for the safety of the flight. In either case, the pilot shall inform the controller of the action taken. This type of control requires two-way radio communications and radar contact. The controller is responsible for the safety of the aircraft, and the pilot shall be informed whenever he is not held on the radarscope for more than 1 minute or five sweeps of the radar. The pilot is responsible for the ultimate safety of the aircraft.

control area. A circular airspace with a radius of 50 nautical miles around the ship that extends upward from the surface to unlimited an altitude and is under the cognizance of AOCC/HDC.

control zone. The airspace within a circular limit is defined by a 5 nautical miles horizontal radius from the ship. The control zone extends upward from the surface up to and including 2,500 feet unless otherwise designated for special operations and is under the cognizance of the air officer during VMC.

corrected hover weight. The thrust being used for takeoff or landing that is corrected for pressure, altitude, temperature, and individual engine characteristics of V/STOL aircraft.

cutback. Sudden and rapid reduction of engine speed as a result of JPT datum shift or dearming water switch during wet operations with V/STOL aircraft.

dearming (safing). An operation in which a weapon is changed from a state of readiness for initiation to a safe condition.

dearming area. The area where ordnance is changed from a state of readiness to a safe condition. All dearming evolutions are to be conducted in the dearming area by the individual stores loading manual/checklist. The area ahead, behind, and/or surrounding the aircraft shall be kept clear until all weapons and ordnance are completely safe. When taxiing aircraft from the landing area to the dearming area, care must be taken to reduce exposure of the armed ordnance to personnel and equipment.

deck status light. A three-colored light (red, amber, green) controlled from the primary flight control. For the Navy, the light displays the status of the ship to support flight operations. For the USCG, the light displays clearance for a helicopter to conduct a given evolution.

delta. A signal given to hold and conserve fuel at an altitude and position appropriate to the type of aircraft and case recovery in effect. Also a pattern around the ship used to hold aircraft pending further clearance, assignment, and so forth.

density altitude. Pressure altitude in feet corrected for temperature and relative humidity. The higher the ambient air temperature and relative humidity, the higher the density altitude, which results in a decrease in aircraft performance.

departure control. A control station in AOCC/HDC that is responsible for the orderly flow of departing traffic.

downloading. An operation that removes airborne weapons/stores from an aircraft.

emergency expected approach time. A future time assigned before take off at which an aircraft is cleared to depart inbound or penetrate from a preassigned fix under lost communications conditions.

emergency final bearing. A magnetic heading that AOCC/HDC provides to all flight crews before take off to be used when executing emergency procedures for communications failure in IMC. The emergency marshaling pattern shall be relative to the EFB and is the final bearing for the lost communications TACAN approach.

emergency marshal. A marshal established by AOCC/HDC and assigned to each aircraft before take off. Emergency marshaling consists of a radial, DME, altitude, and emergency expected approach time.

emission control Control of all electromagnetic radiation, which includes electronic communications, radar, and visual systems. During its imposition, no electronic emitting device within the designated bands shall be operated unless absolutely essential to the mission of the force.

expected approach time. The future time at which an aircraft is cleared to depart inbound from a prearranged fix. Aircraft shall depart and start the approach at the assigned time if no further instructions are received.

father. TACAN.

feet dry. A pilot to AOCC/HDC report that indicates that the aircraft is passing over shore line and proceeding over land.

feet wet. A pilot to AOCC/HDC report that indicates the aircraft is passing the shore line and proceeding over water.

final bearing. The magnetic bearing assigned by AOCC/HDC for final approach. It is an extension of the landing area centerline.

final control. A control station in AOCC/HDC that controls traffic in instrument meteorological conditions until the pilot reports "VMC" or "meatball" or until he reaches approach minimums.

fleet area control and surveillance facility. A US Navy fixed, shore-based ATC facility. It is designated to manage offshore and inland operating areas and other assigned airspace, to include special-use airspace. The FACSFAC provides joint-use scheduling and control of surface, subsurface, and airborne military platforms operating within and transiting to and from these areas. It administers services to support the coexistence of military government and nongovernrnent agencies consistent with national priorities.

flight deck officer. The officer responsible for the safe movement of aircraft on or about the flight deck of an aviation-capable ship.

flight level. Altitude expressed in hundreds of feet determined by setting 29.92 in the aircraft pressure altimeter; that is, 230 equals 23,000 feet in relation to the standard atmospheric pressure of 29.92.

flight quarters. A ship configuration that assigns and stations personnel at critical positions to conduct safe flight operations.

free-deck recovery. The launch or securing condition on the flight deck of a RAST-equipped ship when that system is not used.

ground resonance. A condition of geometric imbalance on helicopters caused by offset dynamic forces when the helicopter makes improper contact with the deck. If allowed to continue, destruction of the helicopter is imminent. Improper tie-downs aggravate the onset of ground resonance.

guard. A radio frequency that normally is used for emergency transmissions and is continuously monitored. (UHF: 243.0 MHz; VHF: 121.5 kHz.

helicopter control officer. In nonaviation facility ships, the helicopter control officer is responsible for supervising and directing launch and landing operations and for servicing and handling all embarked helicopters. Helicopter control officers will be graduates of the helicopter indoctrination course unless they are designated helicopter pilots.

helicopter direction center. See air operations control center/helicopter direction center.

HERO-safe ordnance. Any ordnance item that is sufficiently shielded or otherwise so protected that all EEDs/CADs contained by the item are immune to adverse effects (safety or reliability) when the item is employed in its expected shipboard RF environments provided the general HERO requirements are observed.

HERO-susceptible ordnance system. Any ordnance system proven (by tests) to contain EEDs/CADs that can be adversely affected by energy to the point that the safety and/or reliability of the system is in jeopardy when the system is employed in expected shipboard RF environments.

HERO-unsafe ordnance. Any ordnance item is defined as being HERO-unsafe when its external wiring is physically exposed; tests are being conducted on the item that result in additional electrical connections to the item; EEDs/CADs having exposed wire leads are present, handled, or loaded; the item is being assembled/disassembled; or the item is in a disassembled condition. Ordnance items that fall into the above classification may be exempted from being classified as HERO-unsafe ordnance as the result of HERO tests conducted to determine specific susceptibility.

hover. A condition of flight in which all movement relative to a fixed reference point has ceased.

hover stop. The position of the nozzle lever that vectors the thrust to the vertical position (81 degrees) on AV-8 aircraft.

hung weapons. Those weapons or stores on an aircraft that the pilot has attempted to drop or fire but could not because of a malfunction of the weapon, rack/launcher, or aircraft release and control system.

inbound bearing. The magnetic bearing assigned by AOCC/HDC that ensures interception of the final bearing at a specific distance from the ship.

India. IFF Mode IV.

instrument meteorological conditions. Meteorological conditions, when expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud and ceiling, are less than the minimal specified for visual meteorological conditions.

jetborne flight. Very slow speed flight supported by engine thrust only for V/STOL aircraft.

kilo report. A pilot report that indicates aircraft mission readiness. (Typically given to the controlling agency after takeoff.)

landing force commander. The officer designated in the initiating directive to command the landing force.

landing signal officer. The officer responsible for the visual control of aircraft in the terminal phase of the approach immediately before landing.

loading (rearming). An operation that installs airborne weapons and stores on or in an aircraft and may include fusing of bombs and stray voltage checks.

loading area. The area in which replenishment of airborne weapons or stores and other armament items on or in an aircraft is conducted. When handling weapons in this area, all fuse and initiators shall remain safe and all gun chambers shall be clear.

marshal. A bearing, distance, and altitude fix designated by AOCC/HDC from which pilots shall orient holding and from which initial approach shall begin.

marshal control. A control station in AOCC/ HDC that is responsible for the orderly flow of inbound traffic.

meatball (or ball). A pilot report that indicates that the visual landing aid is in sight, (amber beam of stabilized glide slope indicator).

medical evacuation. Evacuation of dead, wounded, sick, or otherwise incapacitated personnel by ship or air to an area or facility where the appropriate medical aid can be obtained.

mixed operations. Simultaneous V/STOL and helicopter air operations.

monitor control. The monitoring of radar and radio channels for emergency transmissions.

mother. Parent vessel (LHA, LPH, and LHD).

multispot ship. Ships that are certified to have three or more adjacent landing areas.

nonprecision approach. A radar-controlled approach or an approach flown by reference to navigation aids in which glide slope information is not available.

nonradar control. A form of air traffic control in which the pilot flies according to a published procedure or as prescribed by the controlling agency. Traffic separation is provided by the controlling agency using frequent pilot position reports and modified separation criteria. This form of control is used in case of an emergency, when all shipboard control radar is inoperative or, in the opinion of the AOCC/HDC officer, the shipboard control radar is unsafe.

operational necessity. A mission associated with war or peacetime operations in which the consequences of an action justify accepting the risk of loss of aircraft and crew.

parrot. Military IFF/transponder.

passengers/mail/cargo. An administrative/logistics flight scheduled for transfer of personnel and/or materiel to or from the ship. PMC does not include lifts of combat troops for actual or training vertical assaults or withdrawals.

pigeons. Magnetic bearing and distance from an aircraft to a specific location.

platform. A reporting point of 5,000 feet altitude in the approach pattern at which V/STOL aircraft reduce their rate of descent so as to arrive at 1,200 feet, 12 DME, and 250 knots.

pogo. A term used by a controlling agency indicating the return to the last assigned frequency if no contact is experienced on the newly assigned frequency.

popeye. A pilot term used to indicate that his aircraft has entered IMC.

port. The left hand side of a ship or boat (facing forward).

position and intended movement. The reference position of the officer in tactical command at a given time, and a forecast of the course and speed expected to be made during future movement. Position and intended movement are established to assist the return of the aircraft, to aid outlying surface units (pickets and so forth) in maintaining their stations, and for rendezvous purposes.

positive control. The tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit, whereby the aircraft receives orders affecting its flight which immediately transfers responsibility for the safe navigation of the aircraft to the agency issuing such orders.

precision approach. An approach in which azimuth and glide slope information are provided to the pilot.

primary flight control. The controlling agency that is responsible for aircraft traffic control within the control zone.

ramp time. 1. The anticipated time designated by PriFly when the flight deck will be ready to recover aircraft. 2. The time the first aircraft in a Case III recovery is expected to be at the ramp.

rasberry. A ship-to-shore HF radio net used for flight following and administrative traffic concerning aircraft.

reaction controls. Variable exhaust ports at the extremities of the AV-8.

rearming area. The area where an operation is conducted that replenishes prescribed airborne weapons in or on an aircraft or where final dearming is accomplished following recovery and engine shutdown, or following ground abort. Only loading, down loading, arming and dearming evolutions are authorized to be conducted in the rearming area by the individual stores. All weapons handled or loaded in the rearming area shall be safe and remain safe.

safing (dearming). An operation whereby a weapon is changed from the state of readiness for initiation to a safe condition.

semi-jetborne flight. Flight where lift is provided by a combination of engine thrust and wing lift for V/STOL aircraft.

single-spot ship. Ships that are certified to have less than three adjacent landing areas.

spot. An approved shipboard helicopter landing site.

spin. A signal given to one or more V/STOL aircraft indicating a departure and reentry into the break. The command "spin" may be issued by either the air officer, LSO, or flight leader.

starboard. The right hand side of a ship or boat (facing forward).

stern. The rear section of a ship or boat.

strikedown. A term used to describe the movement of aircraft from the flight deck to the hangar deck level.

tactical air control center (afloat). The TACC is the primary air control agency within the amphibious objective area of responsibility from which all air operations supporting the amphibious force are controlled. This control refers to all airborne operations not incidental to the actual launch or recovery of aircraft: instrument departure, approach, and marshal.

tactical direction. A form of nonradar control in which tactical information is passed to an aircraft by the controlling unit. However, the aircraft commander is responsible for navigation and safety.

twelve nautical mile DME fix. A checkpoint in a CCA normally located on the final bearing, 12 miles from the ship. All V/STOL aircraft shall pass through the 12 nautical mile DME fix in level flight at an altitude of 1,200 feet and 250 KIAS and normally shall start transition to the landing configuration.

three nautical mile DME fix. A checkpoint in a CCA on the final bearing 3 miles from the ship through which all helicopters shall pass in a landing configuration.

transition. The maneuver of changing from nonconventional flight, wholly and partially jetborne, to conventional flight or, for V/STOL aircraft, vice versa.

trim back. The reduction of engine speed through action to hold constant at datum limit with V/STOL aircraft.

unexpended ordnance. Airborne ordnance that has not been subjected to attempts to fire or drop and is presumed to be in normal operating condition and can be fired or jettisoned if necessary.

vertical replenishment. The use of a helicopter for the transfer of material to or from a ship.

visual meteorological conditions. Weather conditions in which applies, expressed in terms of visibility, ceiling height, and aircraft clearance from clouds along the flight path. When these criteria do not exist, IMC prevails and IFR must be complied with.

V/STOL. An aircraft other than a helicopter whose characteristics of flight enable vertical and short takeoffs and landings.

warning. Operating procedures, practices, or conditions that may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.

wave-off. An action to abort a landing initiated by PriFly, the LSO, the LSE, or the pilot at his discretion. The response to a wave-off signal is mandatory.

Case I: 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 nautical miles visibility.

Case II: 500-foot ceiling and 1 nautical mile visibility.

Case III: Below 500-foot ceiling or less than 1 nautical mile visibility.

zip-lip. A condition that may be prescribed for flight operations during day or night VMC under which positive communications control is waived and radio transmissions are held to the minimum necessary for safety of flight.

AAA - antiaircraft artillery

ACHO - aircraft handling officer

ADIZ - air defense identification zone

AFFF - aqueous film forming foam

A/G - air-to-ground

AG - adjutant general

AGL - above ground level

AGM - air-to-ground missile

AIC - assign individual compressed dial

AL - Alabama

ALSE - aviation life support equipment

ammo - ammunition

AOA - angle of attack

AOCC - air operations control center

ARSOA - Army special operations aviation

ARTCC - air route traffic control center

ASM - antiship missile

ASR - approach surveillance radar

ASW - antisubmarine warfare

ATAS - air-to-air Stinger

ATC - air traffic control

ATO - air transportation officer

ATM - assign traffic metering

attn - attention

AWACS - Airborne Warning and Control System

AWR - air worthiness release

BRC - base recovery course

C² - command and control

CA - California

CAI - close-in approach indicator

cal - caliber

CAP - combat air patrol

CATF - commander, amphibious task force

CCA - carrier controlled approach

CCO - combat cargo officer

CECOM - (Army) Communications-Electronics Command

CH - cargo helicopter

CIC - combat information center

CO - commanding officer

comm - communications

COMSEC - communications security

CPO - chief petty officer

CQ - carrier qualification

CTF - commander, task force

CV - aircraft carrier

CVN - nuclear powered attack aircraft carrier

DA - Department of the Army

DC - District of Columbia

DD - Department of Defense

DF - direction finding

DIRLAUTH - direct language authorized

DLQ - deck landing qualification

DME - distance measuring equipment

DSN - Defense Switching Network

EAT - expected approach time

EEAT - emergency expected approach time

EED - electroexplosive device

EEFI - essential elements of friendly information

EFB - emergency final bearing

EMCON - electronic emission control

EO - elevator operator

EOD - explosive ordnance disposal

ESSS - external support stores system

ETE - estimated time en route

FAA - Federal Aviation Administration

FACSFAC - fleet area control and surveillance facility

FAC - floor of controlled airspace

FAC-A - forward air controller--airborne

FAF - final approach fix

FCLP - field carrier landing practice

FDLP - field deck landing practice

FDO - flight deck officer

FFG - guided missile frigate

FL - Florida; flight level

FLIP - flight information publication

FM - frequency modulated; field manual

FOD - foreign object damage

FORSCOM - (United States Army) Forces Command

FRAGO - fragmentary order

ft - foot; feet

GAIL - glide angle indicator light

GCA - ground controlled approach

GCI - ground control interception

GSI - glide slope indicator

GPS - global positioning system

GTS - gas turbine starter (V/STOL)

HAC - helicopter aircraft commander

HAPI - horizontal approach path indicator

HARM - high altitude antiradiation missile

HCO - helicopter control officer

HDC - helicopter direction center

HEEDS - helicopter emergency egress device system

HEI - high-explosive incendiary

HERO - hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance

HF - high frequency

HLT - helicopter landing trainer

HPI - hover position indicator

HPRF - high pulse radar frequency

HQ - headquarters

HUD - heads-up display

HVAA - high value airborne assets

I - individual

IAF - initial approach fix

ID - identification

IFF - identification, friend or foe

IMA - intermediate maintenance activity

IMC - instrument meteorological conditions

IN - instructor

info - information

INS - inertial navigation system

IP - instructor pilot

IR - infrared

JFC - joint forces commander

JPT - jet pipe temperature (V/STOL)

JPTL - jet pipe temperature limiter (V/STOL)

JTF - joint task force

KIAS - knots indicated airspeed

kt - knot

LDNS - lightweight doppler navigation system

LHA - amphibious assault ship

LHD - amphibious assault ship

LOI - letter of instruction

LOS - line of sight

LOTS - logistics over the shore

LOX - liquid oxygen

LPH - amphibious assault ship

LPO - lead petty officer

LPU - life preserver unit

LSE - landing signalman enlisted

LSO - landing signal officer

MACOM - major Army command

mar - marshal

MDA - minimum decent altitude

MEDEVAC - medical evacuation

MIM - maintenance instruction manual

min - minute

mm - millimeter

MOA - memorandum of agreement

MOU - memorandum of understanding

MPRF - medium pulse radar frequency

msg - message

MSL - mean sea level

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NAS - naval air station

NAVAID - navigational aid

NAVSEA - naval sea

NC - North Carolina

NCOIC - noncommissioned officer in charge

NCTR - noncooperative target recognition

NDB - nondirectional beacon

NFO - naval flight officer

NJ - New Jersey

nm - nautical mile

NSN - national stock number

NVD - night vision device

NWP - naval warfare publication

NWS - nosewheel steering

OBA - oxygen breathing apparatus

OCE - officer conducting exercise

ODO - operations duty officer

OIC - officer in charge

OOD - officer of the deck

ops - operations

OTC - officer in tactical command

PA - Pennsylvania

PAR - precision approach radar

PAX - passengers

PC - pilot in command

PIM - position and intended movement

PMC - passengers, mail, or cargo

POC - point of contact

PP - power plant

PriFly - Primary Flight (Control)

QA - quality assurance

qual - qualification

RADHAZ - radiation hazard

RAST - recovery assistance, securing, and training system

rel - relative

ROE - rules of engagement

RPM limit - fan speed limit (V/STOL)

RPV - remotely piloted vehicle

rqmt - requirement

RVL - rolling vertical landing (V/STOL)

RVTO - rolling vertical takeoff (V/STOL)

RWR - radar warning receiver

SAAHS - stability augmentation attitude hold system

SAM - surface-to-air missile

SAR - search and rescue

SAS - stability augmentation system

SE - southeast

SEAD - suppression of enemy air defense

SF - standard form

SGSI - stabilized glide slope indicator

SIF - selective identification feature

SIGINT - signal intelligence

SGSI - stabilized glide slope indicator

SO - safety observer

SOP - standing operating procedure

SRC - special requirements code

STO - short takeoff (V/STOL)

tac - tactical

TACAN - tactical airborne navigation

TACC - tactical air control center

TACRONS - tactical air control squadron

TAO - tactical action officer

TBM - tactical ballistic missile

TCA - tactical control area

TDY - temporary duty

TL - team leader

TM - team member

TRADOC - (United States Army) Training and Doctrine Command

TYCOM - type commander

UAV - unmanned aerial vehicle

UIC - unit identification code

UH - utility helicopter

US - United States

USA - United States Army

USAF - United States Air Force

USMC - United States Marine Corps

USN - United States Navy

UT - unit trainer

VA - Virginia

VERTREP - vertical replenishment

VFR - visual flight rules

VLA - visual landing aid

VMC - visual meteorological conditions

V/STOL - vertical and/or short takeoff and landing

WOD - wind over deck

XO - executive officer

yd - yard

abort A directive to cease the action, attack, event, or mission.

action A directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver.

active An emitter is radiating.

alarm A directive or information indicating the termination of EMCON procedures.

alligator Link-11/TADIL A.

alpha check A request for bearing and range to a described point.

anchor(ed) 1. Orbit about a specific point; refueling track flown by tanker.

2. Information to indicate a turning engagement about a specific location.

angels Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet.

Arizona No arm ordnance remaining.

as fragged Unit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking order.

authenticate To request or provide a response for a coded challenge.

autocat Any communications relay using automatic retransmissions.

autonomous Aircrew is operating without the benefit of GCI, AIC, or AWACS.

azimuth Two groups separated in bearing.

bandit A positively identified enemy aircraft. The term is a function of identification and does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage.

banzai Information or directive to execute launch and defend tactics.

base (number) Reference number used to indicate such information as headings altitude, fuels, and so on.

bead window Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.

beam(ing) Target maneuvering stabilized within 70- to 110-degree aspect; generally given with cardinal directions such as east, west, north, and south.

belly check A momentary unloaded bank to check the blind side of a turning aircraft.

bingo Prebriefed fuel state which is needed for recovery using prebriefed parameters.

bird Friendly surface-to-air missile.

bird(s) affirm Fire control radar is locked on designated target.

bird(s) away Missile has been fired at designated target.

bittersweet Notification of possible blue-on-blue situation relative to a designated track or friendly aircraft.

blank A SEAD aircraft does not detect any emitters of interest.

blind No visual contact with friendly aircraft or ground position; opposite of the term "visual."

blow through A directive or informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not turn with target.

bogey Unidentified air contact.

bogey dope Request for target information as briefed or available.

box Groups, contacts, or formations in a square or offset square.

braa Format of tactical control providing bearing, range, altitude, and aspect from fighter.

bracket Indicates geometry where friendly aircraft will maneuver to a position on opposing sides, either laterally or vertically from the target.

break (direction) Directive to perform an immediate maximum performance turn in the indicated direction. Assumes a defensive situation.

breakaway Tanker or receiver call indicating immediate vertical and nose or tail separation between tanker and receiver is required.

brevity Term used to denote radio frequency is becoming saturated or degraded and briefer transmissions must follow.

broadcast Request or directive to switch to broadcast control.

broke lock Loss of radar or IR lock-on (advisory).

buddy lock Locked to a known friendly aircraft. Normally a response to a "spiked" or "buddy spiked" call and accompanied with "angles or altitude."

buddy spike Friendly aircraft air-to-air indication on RWR. To be followed by position, heading, and altitude.

bugout (direction) Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to engage or return.

bulldog Friendly antiship cruise missile.

bullseye An established point from which the position of an aircraft can be referenced. Made by cardinal/range or digital format.

bump/bump up A fly-up to acquire LOS to the target or laser designation.

buster A directive call to fly at maximum continuous speed (military power).

buzzer Electronic communications jamming.

burner A directive to select or deselect afterburner.

cap/capping 1. A directive call to establish an orbit at a specified location.

2. An orbit at an specified location.

captured The aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified A/G target with an onboard sensor.

cease engagement Break the engagement on the target specified and prepare to engage another target. Missiles in flight will continue to intercept.

cease fire Do not open fire or discontinue firing; complete intercept if weapons are in flight; continue to track.

champagne An attack of three distinct groups with two in front and one behind.

chattermark Begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming.

cheap shot 1. (USAF) Active missile not supported to active range or medium PRF.

2. (USN) Active missile not supported to active range.

check Turn ( ) degrees left or right and maintain new heading.
(left or right)

cherubs Friendly aircraft altitude in hundreds of feet.

chicks Friendly aircraft.

clean 1. No radar contacts on bandits, bogies, or aircraft of interest.

2. No visible battle damage.

cleared Requested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).

cleared hot Ordnance release is authorized.

cloak Directive or informative switch from normal external lighting to covert NVD-only compatible lighting.

closing Decreasing in range.

cold 1. Attack geometry will result in a pass or roll-out behind the target.

2. On a leg of the CAP pointed away from the anticipated threats.

3. Threat group heading away from fighters. Opposite of "hot."

come off A directive to maneuver as indicated to either regain mutual support or to
(left/right/low/dry) deconflict flight paths for an exchange of engaged and supporting roles. Implies both "visual" and "tally."

committed/ Fighter intent to engage/intercept; controller continues to provide
commit information.

confetti Chaff lane or corridor.

cons/conning Threat aircraft leaving contrails.

contact 1. Sensor contact at the stated position.

2. Acknowledges the sighting of a specified reference point.

continue Continue present maneuver; does not imply clearance to engage or expend ordnance.

cover 1. Directive to initiate S/A engagement on specified track up to the point of firing.

2. Assume a posture that will allow engagement of the specified target if directed.

crank (direction) F-pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits.

cutoff Request for or directive to intercept using cutoff geometry.

cyclops Any UAV/RPV.

dash (number) Aircraft position within a flight. Same as chalk. Use if a specific call sign is unknown.

deadeye Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative.

declare Inquiry by fighter to an AWACS, a GCI, an AIC, or a capable aircraft as to the identification of a correlated group.

defensive (Spike, missile, SAM, Mud, or AAA) Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to the stated condition.

deploy Directive for the flight to maneuver to briefed positioning.

divert Proceed to alternate mission or base.

dolly Link-4A/TADIL C.

drag/dragging 1. (USAF) Target maneuvering 0 to 60-degree aspect.

(direction) 2. (USN) Target maneuvering to 120- to 18- degree aspect.

drop/dropping Directive or information to stop monitoring a specified emitter or target and resume search responsibilities.

duck Tactical air-launched decoy.

echelon Groups, contacts, or formation with wingman displaced approximately
(direction) 45 degrees behind leader's 3/9 line.

echo Positive seesaw, EWWS, system M/Mode X reply.

engaged Maneuvering with the intent of achieving a kill. If no additional information is provided (bearing or range), this implies visual/radar acquisition of target.

estimate Using information available to provide data required; implies degradation.

extend (direction) Short term maneuver to gain energy and distance or separation normally with the intent of reengaging.

eyeball 1. Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility.

2. EO/IR acquisition of an aircraft.

fade Directive call to HVAA to continue present mission while extending range from target in response to perceived threat.

faded Previous radar contact is lost.

fast Target speed is estimated to be 600 knots ground speed/Mach 1 or greater.

father TACAN station.

feet wet or dry Flying over water or land.

fence (in/out) Set cockpit switches as appropriate before entering or exiting the combat area.

fireball Possible multiple missile launches by Patriot being conducted (such as in response to a TBM attack).

flank/flanking Target with a stable aspect of 120 to 150 degrees.

flash Temporarily turn on prebriefed IFF mode.

float Directive or information to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to maintain radar contact or prepare for a defensive response.

fox (number) Simulated air-to-air weapons employment.

ONE - Semiactive radar-guided missile.

TWO - Infrared-guided missile.

THREE - Active radar-guided missile.

fox three close AIM-120 launched inside MPRF active range.

fox mike VHF/FM radio.

friendly A positively identified friendly contact.

fur ball A turning fight involving multiple aircraft.

gadget Radar or emitter equipment.

gimbal Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits.
(direction)

gingerbread Alert that voice imitative deception is suspected on this net.

go active Go to briefed Have Quick net.

goggle/degoggle Directive or information to put on or take off NVG.

gorilla Large force of indeterminable numbers and formation.

go secure Activate secure voice communications.

grand slam All hostile aircraft of a designated track (or against which a mission was tasked) are shot down.

green (direction) Direction determined to be clearest of enemy air-to-air activity.

greyhound Friendly ground attack cruise missile.

group Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles of each other.

guns An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.

hard (direction) High-G, energy sustaining turn.

head/head on 1. Target with an aspect of 160 to 180 degrees.

2. (USN) Target with an aspect of 0 to 20 degrees.

heads up Alert of an activity of interest.

heavy A group known to contain three or more contacts.

high Between 25,000 and 40,000 feet MSL.

hit 1. (A/A) Radar return in search.

2. (A/G) Weapons impact within lethal distance.

hold down Directive to key transmitter for DF steer.

holding hands Aircraft in visual formation.

hold fire An emergency fire control order used to stop firing on a designated target, to include destruction of any missiles in flight.

home plate Home airfield or carrier.

hook (left/right) Directive to perform an in-place 180-degree turn.

hostile A contact positively identified as enemy according to theater rules of engagement; contact may be engaged.

hot 1. Attack geometry will result in roll-out in front of the target.

2. On a leg of the CAP pointing toward the anticipated threats.

3. Threat group heading toward fighters. Opposite of "cold.".

4. Ordnance employment intended or completed.

hot dog Information or directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified stand-off distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation (as defined by national boundaries or territorial sea and airspace). (Color may indicate additional stand-off distance.) Follow briefed procedures.

hotel fox HF radio.

husky (USN) AIM-120 supported to HPRF active. Same as USAF cheap shot.

ID 1. Directive to intercept and identify the target.

2. ID accomplished; follow with type.

in (direction) Information indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a threat. Opposite of "out."

India IFF Mode IV.

interrogate Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.

jink Unpredictable maneuvers to negate a gun-tracking solution.

joker Fuel state above bingo at which separation, bugout, or event termination should begin.

judy Aircrew has radar or visual contact on the correct target, has taken control of the intercept, and requires only situation awareness information. Controller will minimize radio transmissions.

kill 1. Clearance to fire.

2. In training, a fighter call to indicated that kill criteria have been fulfilled.

knock it off Directive to cease air combat maneuvers, attacks, or exercise activities.

ladder Three or more groups or contacts in range.

laser on Directive to start laser designation.

lead/trail Tactical formation of two contacts within a group separated in range or following one another.

leaker(s) An aircraft that has passed through the A/A forces. Call should include amplifying information.

line abreast Two contacts within a group (side-by-side).

lights on/off Directive to turn on or off exterior lights.

locked Final radar lock-on; sort is not assumed.
(BRAA/direction)

low Target altitude is below 10,000 feet AGL.

mad dog Visual AIM-120 launch.

magnum Launch of friendly harm missile.

mapping Multifunction radar in an A/G mode.

marking Friendly aircraft leaving contrails.

marshal/ Established at a specific point.
marshaling

medium Target altitude between 10,000 feet AGL and 25,000 feet MSL.

merge(d) 1. Information that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena.

2. Call indicating radar returns have come together.

mickey Have Quick time-of-day signal.

midnight Information advising that C² functions are no longer available. Opposite of "sunrise."

monitor Maintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility on specified group.

mother Parent ship.

mud Indicates unknown RWR ground threat displayed followed by clock position
(direction/type) and type.

music Electronic deceptive radar jamming.

nails RWR indication of AI radar in search. Add clock position and azimuth, if known.

naked No RWR indications.

new picture Used by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls and reestablishes picture for all players.

no factor Not a threat.

no joy Aircrew does not have visual contact with the target, bandit, or landmark; opposite of "tally."

notch (direction) All-aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar or missile on the beam.

off (direction) Informative call indicating that the attack is terminated; maneuvering to the indicated direction.

offset (direction) Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to the target

on station Information that the unit or aircraft has reached assigned station.

opening Increasing in range.

out (direction) Information indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the threat. Opposite of in.

package Geographically isolated collection of groups, contacts, or formations.

padlocked Informative call indicating that the aircrew cannot take its eyes off an aircraft or ground target without risk of losing tally or visual.

paint blue Correct ATO, ATM, or other air warfare directives IFF interrogation response.

paint white Incorrect ATO, ATM, or other air warfare directives; IFF interrogation response.

parrot IFF transponder.

picture Situation briefing that includes real-time information pertinent to a specific mission.

pigeons (location) Magnetic bearing and range to a home plate or specified destination.

pince/pincer Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.

pit bull 1. Information that the AIM-120 is at MPRF active range.

2. AIM-54 at active range.

playmate Cooperating aircraft.

play time Amount of time aircraft can remain on station.

pop Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.

popeye Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.

pop up Information that a contact has suddenly appeared.

posit Request for position; response in terms of a geographic landmark or off a common reference point.

post attack Directive transmission to indicate desired direction after completion of
(direction) intercept or engagement.

post hole Rapid descending spiral.

press Directive to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed.

print (type) Valid NCTR reply.

pump A briefed maneuver to low aspect to stop closure on the threat or geographical boundary with the intent to re-engage.

pure Information indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure pursuit.

push (channel) Go to designated frequency.

pushing Departing designated point.

pushing Information that said group(s) have turned cold and will continue to be
(group direction) monitored.

range Two groups separated in range.

ray gun 1. Indicates a radar lock-on to an unknown aircraft that is presumed
(position/ to be a threat.
heading/altitude) 2. A request for a "buddy spike" reply from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters.

reference Directive to assume stated heading.
(direction)

reset Proceed to a prebriefed position or area of operation.

resume Resume last formation, station, or mission ordered.

retrograde Directive to withdraw from the present position or area of operation in response to a threat.

rider A bogey that is conforming with safe passage routing, airspeed, or altitude procedures.

rifle AGM-65 maverick launch.

ripple Two or more munitions released or fired in close succession.

rolex (time) Time line adjustment in minutes from preplanned mission execution time.

rope Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.

rumba On-ship maneuvering and ranging.

saddled Information from wingman or element indicating the return to the briefed formation position.

SAM (direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM or SAM launch (should include position).

sandwiched A situation where an aircraft or element is positioned between opposing aircraft or elements.

saunter Fly at best endurance.

scram Directive to proceed to a safe area for defensive or survival reasons.

scramble Take off as quickly as possible.

scud Any threat TBM.

separate Leave a specific engagement; may or may not reenter.

shackle One weave; a single crossing of flight paths; maneuver to adjust/ or regain formation parameters.

shadow Follow indicated target.

shift Directive to shift laser illumination from offset to target.

shooter Aircraft or unit designated to employ ordnance.

shot gun Prebriefed weapons state at which separation or bugout should begin.

skate Information or directive to execute launch and leave tactics.

skip it Veto of fighter commit; usually followed with further directions.

skosh Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles.

skunk A surface contact that is unidentified but assumed to be the enemy.

slap shot Directive for an aircraft to employ a range-unknown HARM against a specified threat at the specified bearing.

slow A target with a ground speed of 300 knots or less.

smash A directive to turn on or off the anticollision lights.

smoke Smoke marker used to mark position.

snake A directive to oscillate an IR pointer about a target.

snap (direction) An immediate vector to the group described.

sniff Passive NCTR reply.

sniper A directive for an aircraft to employ a range-known HARM against a specified threat at the specified location.

snooze A directive or information indicating initiation of EMCON procedures.

sort Directive to assign responsibility within a group; criteria can be met visually, electronically (radar), or both.

sorted Sort responsibility has been met.

sour 1. Invalid or lack of IFF response.

2. Opposite of "sweet."

spades No IFF response.

sparkle Target marking by IR pointer. Target marketing by gunship or FAC-A using incendiary rounds.

spike RWR indication of an AI threat in track, launch, or unknown mode. Include bearing/clock position and threat type, if known.

spin A directive or information to execute a prebriefed timing or spacing maneuver.

spitter (direction) An aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing the engaged fighters targeting responsibility.

splash 1. Air target destroyed.

2. Weapons impact.

split 1. Request to engage a threat; visual may not be maintained; requires flight lead acknowledgment (air-to-air).

2. Directive to begin briefed maneuver or attack.

spoofing Information that voice deception is being employed.

spot The acquisition of laser designation.

squawk Operate IFF as indicated or IFF is operating as indicated.

stack Two or more groups, contacts, or formations with a high or low altitude separation in relation to each other.

status Request for a tactical situation or position.

steady A directive to stop oscillation of IR pointer.

steer Set magnetic heading indicated.

stern A request for or directive to intercept using stern geometry.

stinger A formation of two or more aircraft with a single aircraft in trail.

stop Stop IR illumination of a target.

stranger Unidentified traffic that is not a participant in the action in progress.

strangle ( ) Turn off the equipment indicated.

strip Individual fighter or section is leaving the formation to pursue separate attacks.

stripped Informative call from the wingman or element indicating out-of-briefed formation or position.

strobe Radar indications of noise jamming.

sunshine Informative C² functions are available; opposite of "midnight."

sunrise Informative command and control functions are available from GCI, AWACS, or AIC; opposite of "midnight."

sweet 1. Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.

2. Valid response to an administrative IFF check.

switch/switched Indicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.

tactical A request or directive to switch to tactical control.

tally The sighting of a target, bandit, or landmark; opposite of "no joy."

target A directive to assign group responsibility to aircraft in a flight.

targeted ( ) Group responsibility has been met.

ten seconds A directive to the terminal controller to standby for the "laser on" call in approximately ten seconds.

terminate 1. Stop laser illumination of a target.

2. Cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise.

threat (direction) Untargeted hostile, bandit, or bogey is within the prebriefed range or aspect of a friendly.

throttles Reduction in power to decrease IR signature.

tied Positive radar contact with element/aircraft.

tiger Enough fuel and ordnance to accept a commit.

timber Air control NPG Link 16/TADIL J.

tracking 1. Stabilized gun solution.

2. Continuous illumination of a target.

3. Contact heading.

trailer The last aircraft in a formation.

trashed Information that a missile has been defeated.

tumbleweed Indicates limited situational awareness; no tally, no visual; a request for information.

unable Cannot comply as requested or directed.

uniform UHF radio.

vampire Hostile antiship missile.

very high Above 40,000 feet MSL.

vic Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range and an element in trail.

victor VHF-AM radio.

visual Sighting of a friendly aircraft or ground position; opposite of "blind."

wall Three or more groups, contacts, or formations in line abreast.

warning (color) Hostile attack is--

RED -- Imminent or in progress.

YELLOW -- Probable.

WHITE -- Improbable (all clear).

weapons ( ) Fire only--

FREE -- at targets not identified as friendly according to current ROE.

TIGHT -- at targets positively identified as hostile according to current ROE.

SAFE -- in self-defense or in response to a formal order.

weeds Indicates that aircraft are operating below 2,000 feet AGL.

what luck Request for results of missions or tasks.

what state Report amount of fuel and missiles remaining. Ammunition and oxygen are reported only when specifically requested or critical.

( ) Active. The number of active radar missiles remaining

( ) Radar. The number of semiactive radar missiles number remaining.

( ) Heat. The number of IR missiles remaining.

( ) Fuel. Pounds of fuel or time remaining.

winchester No ordnance remaining.

words Mission-pertinent information.

working 1. A SEAD aircraft is gathering electronic order of battle on a designated emitter. Generally followed by signal type (SAM, AAA, or group) and bearing and range, if possible..

2. A/A aircraft executing EID on a specific aircraft or group to obtain identification necessary for BVR employment.

yardstick Directive to use A/A TACAN for ranging.