I1002 GROUND AIR-TO-GROUND ~1.0 hours

Air-to-Ground Tactics

Module 4: Air-to-Ground - Ground Instruction

OBJECTIVE

Master T-38C air-to-ground tactics, adapting BSA/SAT patterns for precision engagement, egress, and CAS coordination in simulated attacks without actual ordnance.

CONTENT

Basic Surface Attack (BSA) Patterns

  • • Conventional: Standard dive delivery, predictable but accurate.
  • • Tactical: Popup from low-level, reduced exposure time.
  • • Level diving: Shallow dive angles for specific ordnance profiles.
  • • Dive angles: 10°-45° depending on delivery type and threat.

BSA PARAMETERS

Dive Angles: 10°-45°
MRA: Profile dependent
Speed: 400-440 KCAS
SEM G: 4-4.3 G

Surface Attack Tactics (SAT)

  • • Medium altitude: Higher base altitude for better SA, longer exposure.
  • • Low altitude: Terrain masking, reduced detection, higher risk.
  • • Wedge pattern: Element spread for mutual support during attack.
  • • Racetrack: Continuous attack pattern for multiple passes.
  • • Shooter/Cover: One attacks while other provides overwatch.

SAT ROLES

SHOOTER

Executes attack run

Primary weapons delivery

COVER

Maintains SA/overwatch

Threat suppression

Weapons Parameters

  • • WEZ: Weapon Employment Zone - valid delivery envelope.
  • • CCIP gunsight: Continuously Computed Impact Point for strafe/bombs.
  • • Strafe: Gun run at slant range, specific dive angle requirements.
  • • Release parameters: Altitude, airspeed, dive angle windows.

STRAFE PARAMETERS

Dive Angle: 10°-20°
Slant Range: 3,000-4,000 ft
Min Alt: 1,000 ft AGL
Speed: 400 KCAS

CAS Coordination

  • • 9-Line brief: Standardized CAS target information format.
  • • Talk-on: JTAC guidance to target via landmarks/references.
  • • Cleared hot: Authorization to release weapons.
  • • Abort: Immediate cessation of attack run.

9-LINE BRIEF (ABBREVIATED)

  1. IP/BP
  2. Heading (IP to target)
  3. Distance (IP to target)
  4. Target elevation
  5. Target description
  6. Target location
  7. Mark type
  8. Friendlies location
  9. Egress direction

Threats & Deconfliction

  • • Deconfliction ROE: 1,000 ft bubble, altitude/time separation.
  • • AHAS obstacles: Bird strike awareness via Avian Hazard Advisory.
  • • Terrain awareness: MSA, obstacle clearance during low-level.

Procedures

  • • DTC params: Release alt 0 ft, velocity 360 KCAS for CCIP simulation.
  • • Wind corrections: Apply crosswind data to aim-off calculations.
  • • AGSM: Required for SEM (4-4.3 G) post-release.
  • • 9-Line briefs: Practice receiving and reading back CAS information.
  • • IP-target planning: HOTAS integration, action points.

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate understanding through oral quizzing. Must be able to:

  • • Explain BSA/SAT patterns and when to use each
  • • Describe weapons parameters including CCIP and strafe
  • • Explain 9-Line brief format and CAS coordination
  • • Describe shooter/cover roles in SAT

Completion: Demonstrate understanding via oral quizzing per vTAC vAETC standards

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