FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

CHAPTER THREE T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE
Error Sensitivities
In order to make proper corrections, you must know how much each error will affect your
accuracy. We have already discussed in general terms the effects of deviating from each of the
various parameters such as airspeed, dive angle and altitude. For example, we showed that a dive
angle steeper than planned will cause a long hit, so releasing high can compensate for a steep
dive angle.
However, in order to actually make such a correction, you must know how high to release to
compensate for each degree you are steep. In other words, for each type of run, you must know
exactly how dive angle, airspeed, and altitude affect accuracy, and how they relate to one
another. The table (Figure 3-14) summarizes this information and should be memorized.
This table shows, for example, that a 1-degree error in dive angle in a 30-degree bomb run will
cause your hit to be 50 feet long or short, and that a 10-knot airspeed error will have the same
effect. How these relationships can be used in a run will be discussed in the Target Tracking /
Error Corrections section.
Wind
Figure 3-14 Error Sensitivities
You correct for wind effects by varying your bank angle as you fly around the pattern. During
the tracking phase you will need to make adjustments in your roll-in point and initial aimpoint.
Wind effect on the bomb after release is corrected by the offset aimpoint you calculate. An
offset aimpoint (OAP) is a point referenced from the target where the manual pipper is placed at
release to counter the effect release altitude wind has on bomb drift during the Time of Fall. The
offset aimpoint is only referenced during manual mode deliveries. The calculation of the OAP
will be discussed in a later chapter.
3-12 WEAPONS DELIVERY THEORY AND PRINCIPLES