FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

CHAPTER FOUR T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE
These assumptions are slightly generous in that we normally operate at a gross weight less than
13,875 lbs and our response and G build up times are slightly less than that assumed. Our Z
diagram release altitudes, pattern LAW settings and Break X computations are based upon the
above information.
To find the altitude lost in the recovery, simply subtract the recovery altitude from the release
altitude. For example, in a 30 degree dive, 450 KTAS, 3000’ release: 3000 – 1468 = 1532’ lost.
Valid Break X Determination
With the above information, we could determine our expected valid Break X indication. As we
previously discussed, the Break X in the HUD indicates an immediate recovery (based on above
assumptions) to have the aircraft “bottom out” at 1000’ AGL. By adding altitude lost on
recovery (1532’) to 1000’ we get 2532’AGL. With the addition of the target elevation, we can
determine the MSL altitude we could expect the Break X to first illuminate. Weapon release
should NEVER be accomplished with a valid Break X and is one of our tactical abort criteria. If
you see a valid Break X appear, you are fixating on the target and “pressing the target”. Keep
altitude in your scan. Altitude progression is first your planned altitude, followed by your
minimum release altitude, then comes the Break X indication, followed by the LAW tone. If the
LAW tone sounds before recovery initiation, you need to immediately and aggressively abort
your run as it will have the aircraft bottom out between 200’ and 400’ AGL.
Offset Aim Point
The pipper of the T-45C manual delivery mode reflects where the weapon will impact the
ground on a no-wind day, at our precise release parameters. VERY rarely, will you bomb on a
no-wind or calm wind day. During your first few simulator events, you will have the conditions
of no-wind so you can concentrate on aiming and releasing “pipper-to-bull”. In the aircraft and
on late simulator events, you will be introduced to winds.
With wind, if we aimed at the target, the wind will cause the bomb to drift away from the
intended impact point. To counter this effect, we need to place our pipper in a position into the
wind and let mother nature take its course. There is a formula that can be applied to find the
distance we need to offset our aim point. Here’s where knowing the Time of Fall (TOF) of our
weapon from the delivery data table comes into play.
4-4 PREFLIGHT PREPARATION