FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER EIGHT
Tracking Techniques
Tracking techniques are like opinions and you know what they say about opinions. Everyone’s
got one. There are many different ways you can get to release altitude, on parameters, release
the weapon and have it impact the target.
By definition, a tracking technique is a means by which an aircraft obtains a weapons release
solution at the planned release altitude; or, more simply, how we get from roll-in to weapons
release.
Take trust in the fact there are MANY types and variants of tracking techniques used throughout
the world today. They will vary between Service and Fleet, Service to Service, and Country to
Country. We will introduce to you one basic technique for you to master, then, possibly, expose
you to some advanced techniques to put into your “bag of tricks” so you can use them when the
situation warrants their use. In the aircraft, we teach the most widely used technique which is
straight path tracking. However, once again, you may be exposed to two or three in the sim.
The first technique, which is arguably the easiest technique of all, is called the Straight Path
technique. The second technique is Curvilinear to Straight Path technique. There is a third
technique, which is an advanced technique, called “Harp Angle Bombing” which combines the
use of both Straight Path and Curvilinear to Straight Path techniques. You need to understand
you must walk before you run so we’ll concentrate on the first two basic techniques.
Straight Path tracking is maintaining a specific Flight Path Angle from roll-out to release. In the
T-45C, upon initial roll-out on the target, the Velocity Vector placed a number of degrees above
the target and the resultant Flight Path Angle is maintained all the way to release. In theory, if
you roll-in with minimal altitude loss, setting the correct measurement above the target initially
will lead to the target being accurately depressed at checkpoint and the pipper on the aimpoint at
release altitude. The aircraft is taking one straight flight path all the way down the dive.
Curvilinear to Straight Path tracking is where the checkpoint Target Placement Angle is set upon
initial roll-out, a constant slight bunt is maintained to keep the TPA sight picture constant from
roll-out to checkpoint. At the checkpoint, the bunting stops and the resultant Flight Path Angle is
then maintained from checkpoint to release. This is called a compound technique because it calls
for two types of maneuvers during the run. It has validity for use.
The only Fleet which still teaches Curvilinear to Straight Path is the AV-8B Harrier, and they
only use it on undesignated deliveries. The rest of the time, everyone utilizes a straight path
variation. For that reason, we concentrate on Straight Path Tracking in the T-45C.
Straight Path Tracking
This is the foundation of most techniques out there and is the easiest of all the methods to
initially grasp and develop your HUD scan.
DELIVERY PROCEDURES AND TRACKING TECHNIQUES 8-21