FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER TEN
Corrections for the 20 and 10-degree patterns
The 20-degree pattern corrections are identical to the 30-degree pattern, except for being 10
degrees shallower on the run.
The 10-degree pattern, you are looking for 2 – 2 ½ degrees depressed initially and 4 degrees
depressed (14 degrees) at the checkpoint. Again, set the TPA of 4 degrees at checkpoint and
track the resulting Flight Path Angle to release.
1003. TARGET ATTACKS WITHOUT TARGET WAYPOINT DISTANCE
1004. INTRODUCTION
The T-45A and all training aircraft of years gone by have all flown the weapons pattern without
a target waypoint. If you have developed the proper look-out procedures in the T-45C pattern,
flying without a target waypoint should not be any different. The approach turn, roll-in
technique and pull to the abeam are all the same. The big difference in this pattern is the roll-in
without a definitive distance from the target. Ground gouge for the roll-in distance will help,
however, the eyeball calibration development of “that looks about right”, or “T-LAR”, on target
distance is the objective of this pattern.
This type of situation can be encountered in the real world if you were called upon to cover an
immediate Close Air Support mission such as a scenario where Marines are pinned down and
cannot construct the target coordinates for you. It would be up to you to deliver some support to
the Ground Combat Element without it. So gaining the knowledge of T-LAR is an important
skill set to have.
Turn to Abeam
After recovery, at a pitch attitude of 10 degrees above the horizon, apply MRT, relax g, roll to 60
degrees AOB, and initially apply 4 g to reach the abeam position slightly inside the cone. During
the turn, you will have to locate your interval (the aircraft immediately preceding you in the
pattern). Procedures in the event you cannot locate your interval are given later, under "Safety."
After 90 degrees of turn, maintain 2-3 g and begin to reduce power to arrive at the abeam on
altitude and airspeed.
Abeam Position
The abeam position is a point slightly inside the cone and abeam the target; your heading is 180
degrees from the run-in line. The abeam distance is slightly less than two nautical miles. At the
abeam, begin a slight AOB turn of about 10 – 15 degrees (wind dependent).
Abeam to Roll-In
Between the abeam position and the roll-in, the aircraft follows a circular arc, moving from
slightly inside to slightly outside the cone. Pattern altitude must be maintained from the abeam to
ADDITIONAL WEAPONS MANEUVERS / TARGET TRACKING 10-11