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AIR-TO-AIR COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS

Note: For the purpose of this publication, controller is a general term used to define the individual providing tactical control of an intercept or mission. The term “fighter” is used throughout this chapter. Fighter information applies to any aircraft capable of employing A/A ordnance. Controller and fighter are used independent of platform or Service.

Communication Fundamentals
  • A GROUP is the way TAC C2 and aircraft describe other air assets and is used to describe unknown or enemy aircraft.
  • The PICTURE establishes a common tactical air image and describes the spatial relationship of GROUPs.
Group
  • A GROUP is any number of air CONTACTs within 3 nautical miles (nm) in azimuth and range of each other.
    • CONTACT is an individual radar return within a GROUP.
    • SINGLE CONTACT is the assumed STRENGTH for all GROUPs. More CONTACTs are specified (e.g., SINGLE GROUP TWO CONTACTs).
  • GROUPs are distinguished by either a unique name or unique position. There are four unique naming conventions used:
    • Cardinal Relationship (e.g., NORTH GROUP, SOUTH GROUP).
    • Range Relationship. Relationship relative to a specific aircraft perspective (e.g. LEAD GROUP, TRAIL GROUP).
    • Combined Cardinal and Range Relationship (e.g., NORTH LEAD GROUP).
    • Descriptive Name (e.g., SINGLE GROUP, ADDITIONAL GROUP, POPUP GROUP).
  • Unique Position Reference. GROUPs can be distinguished using unique position names such as BULLSEYE, BRAA, or geographic reference (GEOREF).

Note: The controlling platform’s capabilities and limitations will determine if controllers will communicate the number of CONTACTs in a GROUP. If unable to determine the number of CONTACTs, but assessed to be three or more, controllers will only use the fill-in, HEAVY.

Core Information Format
  • Controllers and air assets will use the core information format to communicate GROUPs:
  • Total Number of GROUPs.
  • GROUP Location (i.e., BULLSEYE, BRAA, or GEOREF).
  • Altitude (rounded to the nearest thousands of feet).
  • Track direction or specific aspect (e.g., cardinal/sub-cardinal or HOT/FLANK/BEAM/DRAG).
  • Declaration.
  • Fill-ins (as appropriate).

 

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