Air-to-Ground Execution
Module 4: Air-to-Ground - Flight
OBJECTIVE
Execute T-38C air-to-ground attack patterns including BSA, SAT, and strafe runs using CCIP, demonstrating proper IP-to-target navigation, SEM egress, and shooter/cover coordination while maintaining SA and AGSM execution.
CONTENT
Maneuvers
- • BSA patterns: Conventional, tactical, and level diving deliveries.
- • SAT: Shooter/cover coordination, wedge and racetrack patterns.
- • IP-to-target: CCIP overfly (no release), HUD symbology tracking.
- • Strafe: Gun runs at slant range with proper dive angle.
- • SEM: 4-4.3 G pull to egress altitude post-release.
Attack Sequence
BSA/SAT ATTACK SEQUENCE
- IP: Cross Initial Point, set attack heading
- Run-in: Low-level at 420-440 KCAS
- Pop: 3-4 G pullup at action point
- Roll-in: Acquire target, roll to attack
- Track: FPM on target, CCIP pipper moving
- Release: Pickle at solution cue (simulated)
- SEM: 4-4.3 G pull to egress altitude
Strafe Pattern
- • Entry: Establish at pattern altitude, set up run-in.
- • Dive: 10°-20° dive angle, 400 KCAS.
- • Slant range: 3,000-4,000 ft tracking solution.
- • Min altitude: 1,000 ft AGL - do not descend below.
- • Recovery: Smooth 4 G pull to climbing egress.
STRAFE FOUL CRITERIA
Abort strafe pass if: below 1,000 ft AGL, excessive dive angle, no tracking solution, loss of SA, or "Abort" call.
Procedures
- • PFD/MFD/HUD: Use for symbology - FPM, CCIP pipper, altitude, G.
- • SA maintenance: Talk-on with JTAC, pie-in-sky scanning.
- • Communications: "In hot," "Off dry/wet," 9-Line readbacks.
- • AGSM: Execute during SEM and high-G portions.
- • Shooter/Cover: Coordinate roles, mutual support throughout.
A/G RADIO CALLS
"In hot"
Attacking, weapons hot
"Off dry"
Egressing, no release
"Cleared hot"
JTAC weapons release auth
"Abort"
Cease attack immediately
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in air-to-ground execution. Must:
- • Maintain headings ±10° during attack runs
- • Maintain altitudes ±100 feet
- • Maintain airspeeds ±10 knots
- • Execute proper attack communications
- • Demonstrate valid SEM with AGSM
- • Execute shooter/cover coordination
Completion: Instructor confirmation of air-to-ground proficiency per AETC standards
NOTES
- • Emphasis on mutual support in SAT - maintain visual on wingman.
- • Scenarios include CAS simulations with talk-on practice.
- • Integrate with prior air-to-air training for multi-role awareness.
- • Debrief using recorded data to analyze attack geometry.