FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

CHAPTER EIGHT T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE
Figure 8-15 TPA – Slightly Shallow Dive
TPA for the T-45C is 5 o for 30 o and 20 o pattern; 4 o for 10 o pattern.
The Velocity Vector placed 5 degrees above the TARGET. Not the offset aimpoint.
Resultant FPA is then maintained to release.
The Checkpoint Altitude: Setting the Target Placement Angle
The Checkpoint Altitude is a “how goes it” and a correction altitude. This is the point in the dive
we ensure our Velocity Vector is placed a certain number of degrees above the target so that our
pipper arrives at the aimpoint close to our planned release altitude. It is also the point where our
last second corrections need to be applied if we have errors to the PLANNED dive parameters.
The Target Placement Angle (TPA) is set at the checkpoint altitude, not after. As previously
stated, the TPA is the angle (measured in degrees) between the Velocity Vector and the target.
The TPA for the 30 and 20 degree dives is 5 degrees and for the 10 degree dive, it is 4 degrees.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to set the TPA at checkpoint and not just the planned dive
angle. No ATTEMPT should be made to set the planned dive angle without first respect of the
TPA. Set the TPA and accept the resultant FPA which it gives you. If you are off the planned
dive by one degree or less, hold what you have and release on pipper placement. Being off your
planned dive angle by one degree or less will cause you to get less than 100’ high or low release
8-16 DELIVERY PROCEDURES AND TRACKING TECHNIQUES