AA-1 A/A Master Mode

Objectives
1. Identify the A/A control features and functions of the following avionics components:
a. Master Arm Switch
b. CMD Master Switch
c. UFCP
d. MFD
e. HOTAS
2. Identify the symbology on the T–38C (F–16 Emulation) HUD display in the A/A avionics master mode.
3. Interpret the weapons parameters and data displayed on the T–38C (F–16 Emulation) HUD for IR missiles.
4. Interpret the weapons parameters and data displayed on the T–38C (F–16 Emulation) HUD the two A/A gunsights.
Assignment
1. Read Lesson AA-1, A/A Master Mode – F–16 Format HUD, in this SG and complete the review exercises.
2. Read the applicable air-to-air weapons information in each of the T–38C Flight Manual avionics component
sections listed below to become familiar with the A/A weapons controls and displays in Section I:
a. Avionics Master Modes
b. Up Front Control Panel (UFCP)
c. Multifunction Display (MFD)
d. Head Up Display (HUD) – F–16 HUD Display
e. Video Tape Recorder (VTR)
f. Data Transfer System (DTS)
g. Air–to–Air (A/A) Master Mode
3. Review the applicable A/A sections of the T–38C Weapons Delivery Manual, T.O. 1T-38C-34-1-1.
Introduction
1. The T–38C does not have an actual gun or hard points to mount pylons and missiles. However, the upgraded
avionics system does provide an air–to–air weapons training capability. The simulated weapons include four short
range IR missiles and a single gun with 450 rounds of ammunition. A threat countermeasures capability is also
simulated using two different flare and chaff dispensing programs.
2. The A/A master mode provides a combined HUD weapons display for both missile and gun employment. Two
different gunsight displays may be selected on the UFCP.
3. This lesson describes the A/A avionics master mode operations and capabilities of the T–38C avionics system.
Since you should already be familiar with operating all of the avionics components from previous lessons, this lesson
only addresses the specific control functions and display features of the avionics system in the A/A mode.

Objective 1 — Identify the A/A control features and functions of the following avionics components:
a. Master Arm Switch
b. CMD Master Switch
c. UFCP
d. MFD
e. HOTAS
Master Switches
1. Master Arm Switch — This switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the MFD. The Master
Arm switch has two positions: SAFE and ARM (Figure
1-1).
a. SAFE (down) — All weapons release functions
and indications are disabled (except for CMD).
b. ARM (up) — The weapons release system is
enabled (armed). The VTR witness mark and
weapons release tone indications are activated
whenever the simulated weapons are fired. The
missile and gun rounds inventories are reset to their
initial “full load” quantities when the switch is
cycled back to the ARM position.
2. Counter Measures Dispenser (CMD) Master
Switch — This switch is located to the right of the
Master Arm Switch on the same panel (Figure 1-1). The
CMD switch enables the simulated flare and chaff
countermeasures dispensing system. The CMD
functions and operations are not affected by the position
of the Master Arm Switch. The CMD switch has two
positions: OFF and ON.
a. OFF (down) — Flare and chaff dispensing
disabled.
b. ON (up) — Flare and chaff dispensing enabled. The CMD inventories are reset to their initial “full load”
quantities when the switch is cycled to the ON position. The simulated flare and chaff cartridges are dispensed
using a CMD switch on the right throttle. The CMD throttle switch functions are covered later under the HOTAS
section.
Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) Controls
1. The UFCP provides the controls for selecting the type of gunsight displayed in the A/A master mode. Figure 1-2
shows HUD function page on the UFCP with the F–16 HUD format selected. The UL-4 OSB is used to toggle between
the two types of gunsights: (1) FNNL and (2) LCOS. FNNL is the default gunsight displayed when the A/A master
mode is first entered. Each of these gunsights is covered later.
2. You can also select the standby reticle display on the HUD page by pressing UR-2. The standby reticle is a backup
display used for simulated weapons employment with system failures. When selected, only the boresight cross and
standby reticle are displayed on the HUD. The position of the reticle is determined by the mil depression setting on the
WPN function display. The standby reticle simulates a “degraded” mode that is not used for normal training.

Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) Controls
1. The UFCP provides the controls for selecting the type of gunsight displayed in the A/A master mode. Figure 1-2
shows HUD function page on the UFCP with the F–16 HUD format selected. The UL-4 OSB is used to toggle between
the two types of gunsights: (1) FNNL and (2) LCOS. FNNL is the default gunsight displayed when the A/A master
mode is first entered. Each of these gunsights is covered later.
2. You can also select the standby reticle display on the HUD page by pressing UR-2. The standby reticle is a backup
display used for simulated weapons employment with system failures. When selected, only the boresight cross and
standby reticle are displayed on the HUD. The position of the reticle is determined by the mil depression setting on the
WPN function display. The standby reticle simulates a “degraded” mode that is not used for normal training.

Multifunction Display (MFD) Controls
1. Controls are available on the MFD to select the A/A master mode and various weapons options. You can select the
A/A mode with MR-5 on the PFR/HSD display. When pressed, the master mode cycles between NAV, A/A, and A/G.
This MOSB functions in parallel with the master mode switch (MMS) on the control stick. The color of the A/A master
mode title indicates the current Master Arm switch position/selection. The title is green when the Master Arm switch is
in the SAFE position, and yellow when ARM is selected.
2. MR-3 on the main menu page is used to select the weapons (WPN) page. Figure 1-3 shows an example of the
WPN page display. Most of the available weapons options on this page are applicable only to the A/G master mode.
These options are covered in the surface attack lesson. The armament inventory quantities along the bottom row of the
page apply to both A/A and A/G operations. You reset the currently displayed quantities to the initial “full load”
amounts by pressing each adjacent MOSB. The full loads are:
a. CHAFF (MB-2) – 60
b. FLR (MB-4) – 30
c. SHELLS (MB-5) – 450
d. MSLS (MB-6) – 4
Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) Controls
1. The design of the HOTAS system allows you to select and control the key A/A mode functions and displays
without moving your hands from the flight controls, see Figure 1-4. The following HOTAS switches are used in the
A/A master mode:
a. Master Mode Switch (MMS) — Pressing the switch FWD selects the A/A master mode. If necessary, you can
also quickly return to the NAV mode display on the HUD from the A/A mode by pressing the MMS to the inboard
position.

b. Weapon Release Switch (Pickle button) —Used to launch missiles. Depressing the button fires the next
available missile in sequence when the Master Arm Switch is in ARM. A witness mark is placed on the VTR tape
and the weapons release audio tone is activated for as long as the button is held down.
c. Trigger Switch — Used to fire the gun. Fully squeezing the trigger fires the available gun rounds when the
Master Arm Switch is in ARM. A witness mark is placed on the VTR tape and the weapons release audio tone is
activated for as long as the button is held down.
d. Weapon Mode Switch — Is not used in the A/A master mode.
e. Counter Measures Dispenser (CMD) Switch — Used to select either automatic chaff and flare dispensing
programs. Once a dispensing program starts, you cannot stop it and you cannot initiate a new program until the
first program ends. If less chaff and flares are available than is normally expended during that program, it will use
all that are available. The three–position switch is spring–loaded to the center neutral position. Momentarily
pressing the switch either upward or downward activates a modulated audio tone and one of the following
dispensing programs:
(1) “Combat” program — The up position automatically dispenses 15 flares at 2–second intervals, and 30
chaff in 4–second internals. You can run two complete programs with a full load of chaff and flares.
(2) “Escape” program — The down position automatically dispenses 2 flares in 2–second intervals, and 4
chaff in 4–second intervals. You can run fifteen complete programs with a full load of chaff and flares.
f. If CHAF was selected on the UFCP VHF COM page then the dispensing tone is transmitted over the selected
VHF radio frequency whenever a flare or chaff bundle is released.
2. The other HOTAS switches and buttons, while not directly related to the A/A master mode, allow the pilot to
select or control normal aircraft flight functions when in the A/A mode. The capability to quickly select the NAV mode
display on the HUD using the MMS was just pointed out. One other switch worth noting for flight reference purposes
is the Default Display Switch (DDS) on the stick. Pressing the DDS selects the PFR display on the MFD. This switch is
used to provide immediate head–down instrument references if the need arises when in the A/A mode.
Video Tape Recorder (VTR)
1. The video tape recorder is used to provide a visual and audio record of the air–to–air engagements for debrief.
Also, as indicated earlier, both a black rectangular witness mark and an audio tone are recorded on the tape whenever a
missile or the gun is fired.
2. Ensure that the VTR is ON and recording sometime before the air–to–air engagements are started IAW local
operating procedures and standards (e.g., before takeoff or as part of the FENCE check).
Data Transfer System (DTS)
1. Streaming INS (ownship position) data and flight loads data are recorded to the MDP from first aircraft motion to
30 seconds after landing (WOW and less than 60 knots). The position data includes: latitude, longitude, altitude, and
time. Ninety minutes of recording time are available. Transfer of all remaining maintenance and operational MDP data
to the DTC is automatically accomplished at the end of the flight or after termination of data recording. The DTC is
taken to maintenance debrief for download to Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS).
2. Using the Data Analysis program, a position file is extracted that is used with the Mission Debrief Station (MDS)
to present a graphical depiction of the flight. MDS information includes position data plus expanded flight performance
information, relative (pairing) information between flight members and event notification (weapon/CMD release, over–
G, stall, etc.). As many as four aircraft can be displayed at the same time to show how the engagement progressed for
debrief. The mission debrief data is written directly to the DTC during flight to allow more data to be recorded and to
reduce the post–flight download times after landing.

A/A Displays
Objective 2 — Identify the symbology on the T–38C (F-16 Emulation) HUD display in the A/A avionics master mode.
Objective 3 — Interpret the weapons parameters and data displayed on the T–38C (F–16 Emulation) HUD for IR
missiles.
Objective 4 — Interpret the weapons parameters and data displayed on the T–38C (F–16 Emulation) HUD the two
A/A gunsights.
1. This segment covers the A/A master mode displays on the F–16 HUD emulation display. The IR missile display
and the two A/A gunsights are discussed.
2. The IR missile display simulates short range, tail aspect, infrared–type missile employment (AIM-9) via a Field–
of–View (FOV) circle.
IR Missiles
1. When entering the A/A master mode, change is made to the F–16 HUD display to provide specific weapons
information not included on the NAV mode display, see Figure 1-5. The following symbology changes occur on the
basic NAV mode display when A/A is selected:
a. The velocity scale indicator only displays CAS. You cannot change it on the UFCP while in the A/A mode.
b. The avionics master mode display changes from NAV to A/A.
c. When the Master Arm switch is moved to the ARM position, the weapons delivery status is changed from
SAFE to ARM.
d. The bank scale and indicator are removed.
e. The CDI and FD displays are removed.
f. The armament inventory data block is displayed in lower left corner of the HUD. The available number of gun
rounds, flare and chaff cartridges, and missiles is provided in the inventory data block. The first number indicates
gun rounds (450). Next to gun rounds are the chaff and flare quantities (60/30). The missile inventory is displayed
on the next line. Each available missile is represented by an “M”, and any expended missiles are indicated by an
underline dash ( _ ). The next available missile in the launch sequence is boxed. The missile launch order is left
outboard, right outboard, left inboard, and right inboard.
g. A missile FOV seeker head symbol (circle) is added to the HUD at a fixed “caged” position, 1.5° above the
optical center of HUD which is below the boresight cross.
h. The ground target designation (TD) box is removed from the display.
2. The missile FOV circle represents the missile seeker line–of–sight (LOS) or boresight. The missile FOV seeker
represents the area (2° FOV or 35 mils) where you should be able to detect a heat source. The target should be in range
and stabilized within the missile FOV circle when the missile is fired. A missile launch is indicated by the
disappearance of the missile FOV circle for three seconds and the “M” being replaced with a dash. You can review the
VTR tape during the mission debrief to determine if the shot was valid.
3. After all of the missiles are fired (or at any time during the mission), you may cycle the Master Arm switch to
SAFE and back to ARM to rearm with a full load of missiles and gun rounds. If you want to reset only the missile
quantity, you can accomplish this on the MFD WPN page display as described earlier.

Gunsights
1. The A/A display combines the missile FOV circle with a selectable gunsight. The following A/A gunsights are
provided on the HUD:
a. FNNL — Enhanced Envelope Gunsight (EEGS) Funnel.
b. LCOS — Lead Computing Optical Sight.
2. The two A/A gunsight displays are similar to the type used in today’s fighter aircraft. However, the T–38C does
not have an air–to–air radar or a fire control system that can track the target and compute the actual shot parameters.
Therefore, the T–38C gunsight computations and displays are based on set parameters and fixed target ranges. The
LCOS sight symbology is also scaled to the T–38 wingspan for use as a reference in estimating (T–38) target range.
You can adjust The FNNL display for any wingspan up to 99 ft, with 25 ft (T–38) as the default value. Each of the
gunsights are described next, beginning with the LCOS display.
Lead Computing Optical Sight (LCOS)
1. LCOS is selectable on the UFCP HUD page. The LCOS consists of a track line, a pipper centered in the middle of
two reticle (ranging) circles, and a lag line (Figure 1-6).
a. The track line connects the reticle/pipper with the boresight cross, providing an azimuth (or target plane of
motion) tracking reference.
b. The pipper is used as the aiming reference for the gunshot. The objective is to stabilize the pipper on the
target.
c. The lag line appears whenever the sight is not stabilized and it points in the direction that the pipper is moving
to reach a “settled” solution.
2. This type of lead–computing gunsight requires a more stabilized platform and plane of motion to provide an
accurate and effective reticle display. The sight computes the lead angle required for the gunshot based on the
precomputed parameters for a reticle range of 2,500 feet. (The inner circle equates to the T–38 wingspan at 2500 ft.
The outer circle corresponds to 1,000 ft. for the T–38 wingspan.) The amount of lead computed for the shot is indicated
by the position of the pipper and the distance along the track line to the boresight cross. The necessary lead angle is
obtained when the boresight cross is positioned in front of the target, and the pipper is superimposed on a target at the
computed range without a lag line displayed.
3. The only firing indication provided in the aircraft when the trigger is squeezed is activation of the weapons tone.
There is no visual gun firing indications displayed for the LCOS.
Enhanced Envelope Gunsight (EGGS) Funnel (FNNL)
1. The EGGS Funnel consists of a search funnel and a Firing Evaluation Display System (FEDS) (Figure 1-7). The
FEDS is only displayed while bullets are in flight to the target. This is the default display when the A/A master mode is
selected. Prior to firing the gun, the search funnel display allows the pilot to estimate range and predicts where the
bullets would go at that range. Once the gun is actually fired the FEDS funnel display (dotted lines) will build out from
the boresight cross and show the calculated bullet trajectory.
2. The search funnel is based on the same stadiametric ranging algorithm used to position the LCOS pipper. The
centerline and length of the funnel is defined at seven pipper positions. These positions represent ranges from 500 to
4,000 ft. Centerline range reference cues are provided at 1,000, 2,500, and 4,000 ft. Even though the ideal range for the
20mm bullets is 4,000 ft, practical effective range is 2,500 ft or less. The width of the funnel defaults to a wingspan of
25 ft but is programmable on the UFCP from 0 to 99 ft. To determine range compare the target to the range reference
cues when the wingtips touch the sides of the funnel at that range (Figure 1-8).
3. The optimal shot parameters for the EEGS Funnel are:
a. The wingspan is properly programmed to match the target aircraft.
b. The targets wingtips just touch the funnel’s edges.
c. The funnel centerline overlays the target aircraft.

d. The maneuvering of both the target and your aircraft are relatively constant.
4. Once these parameters are met and the trigger is pulled the FEDS is displayed. The FEDS is two dotted lines that
start at the boresight cross and move out in a funnel shape to simulate bullet fly–out. The FEDS shape is proportionate
to the EEGS Funnel so you can use it to estimate range as well. When firing ceases the dotted lines continue to “march
down” the bullet trajectory, but no longer originate from the boresight cross. The FEDS will gradually disappear when
bullet fly–out is complete. You will have the opportunity to see and compare these gunsights in the simulator.
Declutter Function
You can use the declutter (DCL) key on the UFCP to reduce the amount of data displayed on the HUD in the A/A
mode. Pressing the DCL key toggles the declutter function ON and OFF. The specific data removed from HUD display
is based on the items that were selected prior to flight on the MPC for the A/A master mode. Airspeed, altitude and
heading scales cannot be removed from the HUD with declutter.
Summary
The A/A avionics master mode provides the T–38C with a simulated air–to–air weapons system capability. The
simulated armament includes four short–range missiles, a single A/A 20 mm gun, and chaff and flare countermeasures.
For weapons employment, the A/A master mode provides both a missile FOV circle and gunsights on the HUD. FNNL
or LCOS gunsight presentations are selectable for air–to–air gunnery. For defensive purposes, you can expend the chaff
and flare countermeasures in any mode using two automatic dispensing programs. The air–to–air engagements and
weapons events are recorded on the VTR tape along with aircraft positional data and sent to the DTC via the MDP for
later review and analysis during the debrief.

Review Exercise 1
Complete the following review exercise. Answers are in the back of the SG.
1. Which of the following A/A mode options can be selected on the UFCP HUD function page display?
a. Type of weapons mode displayed on the HUD (i.e., A/A or A/G).
b. Quantity of missiles, gun rounds, chaff and flares available in the inventory.
c. Type of gunsight displayed (i.e., FNNL or LCOS).
d. All of the above.
2. The simulated weapons load can be replenished by _____________ .
a. pressing each weapons quantity MOSB on the MFD WPN page.
b. cycling the Master Arm switch from ARM to SAFE and then back to ARM.
c. cycling the avionics master mode from A/A to NAV and the back to A/A.
d. Both a and b are correct.
3. The Master Arm Switch must be in the ARM position to enable the Counter Measures Dispensing Switch.
a. True
b. False
4. What target ranges are represented by the FNNL centerline range reference cues (dots)?
a. 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 ft
b. 1,000, 2,000 and 3,500 ft
c. 1,000, 2,500, and 4,000 ft
d. 1,500, 2,500, and 4,500 ft
5. Which of the following actions will place a witness mark on the HUD VTR tape?
a. Trigger is fully pressed to fire the gun.
b. Pickle button is pressed to fire a missile.
c. Witness button is pressed on the UFCP.
d. Any of the above.
6. In the A/A master mode, the velocity scale/indicator on the F–16 HUD always displays calibrated airspeed (CAS)
and cannot be changed.
a. True
b. False

7. Which of the following statements is true about the HUD missile inventory shown below?
_ M M M
a. Three of the four missiles have been launched.
b. The left wingtip missile is the next missile available in sequence to launch.
c. The left wingtip missile has been launched.
d. The right wingtip missile has been launched.
8. With the LCOS reticle selected, what ranges do the outer and inner circles around the pipper represent for the
wingspan of a T–38?
a. 1,000 and 2,500 meters.
b. 1,500 and 2,000 feet.
c. 1,330 and 2,600 feet.
d. 1,000 and 2,500 feet.
9. The FEDS display represents the calculated flight of the bullets after the trigger is pulled.
a. True
b. False
10. The HUD declutter items that are selected for the A/A mode display prior to flight on the MPC can be changed in
flight from the WPN page on the MFD.
a. True
b. False