FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

CHAPTER EIGHT T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE
Target Depression on the Tracking Run
Before getting into what a good Initial Sight Picture is, we must first discuss the Target
Depression Angle and understand the target will move down the pitch ladders as we progress
from the roll-in altitude through the checkpoint and to the release altitude. The Target
Depression Angle is the angle between the horizon and the Line of Sight to the target. Simply
stated, it is the location of the target as it appears on the pitch ladders looking through the HUD.
To further explain this, Figure 8-4 is an example of what is called the straight path target tracking
technique, the most basic of all tracking techniques and the one most often used in fleet aircraft.
Notice in Figure 8-4, the Velocity Vector is initially placed 2 ½ to 3 degrees above the target
immediately upon rolling wings-level at the beginning of the tracking run. The RESULTANT
flight path angle which is created by doing so is then maintained for the rest of the tracking run
until release altitude. The target will gradually become more depressed below the Velocity
Vector as you proceed to the checkpoint altitude. At the checkpoint altitude (4,500’ in this case),
with no headwind or tailwind component, the target will be 5 degrees depressed below the
Velocity Vector. Continuing on to release, the target ends up being 7 degrees depressed. In the
T-45C, the important angles we are concerned with are the initial target placement (ITP) and the
checkpoint (TPA) angles, the 3 and the 5 in this case respectively. The angle at release, called
the Aim Off Angle is the least important due to the fact your concentration at that point should be
on the pipper overlaying the aimpoint.
The most crucial point during this entire run is the Target Placement Angle at the checkpoint.
As shown in Figure 8-4, if by placing our Velocity Vector 3 degrees above the target at 7,000’
agl resulted in the Velocity Vector being on the 30 degree pitch ladder, the target would be 33
degrees depressed from the horizon; around the 33 degree location on the pitch ladders. By
maintaining the resultant Flight Path Angle achieved at the roll-in, the target becomes 5 degrees
depressed below the Velocity Vector; the target will be 35 degrees depressed at the checkpoint
altitude. At release, it becomes 37 degrees depressed below the horizon. By maintaining the
Velocity Vector above the target, the target will continue to depress as you get closer to the
ground.
8-4 DELIVERY PROCEDURES AND TRACKING TECHNIQUES