FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER TEN
Figure 10-2 The Harp Angle
As discussed in the adaptive roll-in section, we used a building block approach to develop the
basics of the roll-in. The same holds true for the tracking techniques. The two tracking
techniques previously discussed are the basic techniques of any fleet aircraft. To consider Harp
Angle Bombing, you first must develop a good HUD scan and have an understanding of target
depression angles in the dive. It is not a technique intended to be introduced on early simulator
events. However, if the concepts can be understood and when properly employed, it is a
technique which will be available for you to try during the syllabus. After all efforts of obtaining
a good initial sight pictures have failed, it can help you to correct for a steep or shallow initial
sight picture and turn it into a good sight picture at the checkpoint altitude; that is, being
established on the dive wire or on the bombing triangle.
The advantage of this method is it allows the pilot to achieve a weapons release solution close to
the planned release parameters. It also can be beneficial to correct for a shallow in the 10 degree
pattern where going faster to correct is not an option. If not employed properly, however,
valuable tracking time may be wasted trying to gain the exact dive angles when there is little
need for it. Either way, at checkpoint altitude, the corrections back to the dive angle cease; the
procedure of setting the TPA at the checkpoint is still required and the resultant flight path angle
must then be maintained to weapons release. Error corrections will still be required if all efforts of
getting back to the bombing triangle have been exhausted. Now let’s take a look.
ADDITIONAL WEAPONS MANEUVERS / TARGET TRACKING 10-3