FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER SEVEN
An Adaptive Roll-In technique can be used to correct for errors at the roll-in point and will be
discussed in detail in a follow-on chapter. However, the ultimate focus of the T-45C Weapons
Stage is to develop a consistent roll-in maneuver, leading to consistent results – that being –
a good initial sight picture. The initial simulator events and aircraft flights will concentrate on
developing a consistent roll-in. Once consistency is proven, the adaptive roll-in technique can
be introduced and utilized.
The Roll-out
As part of the Roll-in procedure, the Roll-out onto the target begins the tracking run. By placing
the lift vector on the target on roll-in, the target will be lined up with the standby compass and
the vertical center of the HUD combiner glass. It is important to keep your eyes on the target as
you pull the nose of the aircraft to the target and not just focus totally on the HUD symbology.
Remember, the HUD is an instrument we look through, not at.
As you pull the target into the HUD combiner, the target should travel between the airspeed and
altitude boxes. Once the target is in between the boxes, briefly relax the pull and crisply roll
wings level. This should line up the pipper with the target on a no-crosswind day.
With a crosswind, the above technique may not achieve the ultimate results you desire. The
ultimate goal of the Roll-out is to roll wings level with the Velocity Vector directly above the
target (2 ½ - 3 degrees above for straight path tracking) as well as have the target centered
vertically in between the pitch ladders (as shown here). Simply “flying the Velocity Vector”
above the target seems to work for most. At no time should the Velocity Vector travel below the
target on the initial roll-out.
If you find the Velocity Vector traveled below the target, the cause was due to overbanking too
much on the roll-in (lift vector below the target). If the Velocity Vector ends up greater than 3
degrees above, you didn’t overbank enough.
TARGET AREA PROCEDURES 7-23