IFF Block 1 Proficiency Review
Integrated Combat Evaluation - All IFF 1 Elements
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate trainees' overall proficiency in T-38C Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Part 2 through a comprehensive integrated combat sortie, combining all IFF Block 1 elements—BFM, air-to-ground attacks, tactical formation leadership, and air refueling receiver operations—to confirm competency in combat tactics, decision-making, and safe operations per vTAC vAETC standards from AETCMAN 11-251.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Evaluation may include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
Combat Operations
- ▸ Low-level flight operations
- ▸ Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM)
- ▸ Weapons deployment (simulated)
- ▸ Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM)
Mission Role Simulation
- ▸ Fighter mission profiles
- ▸ Bomber/attack mission profiles
- ▸ Air-to-ground attack patterns
- ▸ Aircraft-specific role execution
Formation & Tactical Operations
- ▸ Formation flying (aircraft-dependent)
- ▸ Tactical formation leadership
- ▸ Air refueling receiver operations
- ▸ Shooter/cover coordination
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Evaluators may assess any IFF Block 1 objective based on the trainee's assigned aircraft and its combat capabilities.
EVALUATION ELEMENTS
MODULE 1 Tactical Formation Lead Elements
- • BFM geometry: Range, HCA, AA, ATA, LOSR application.
- • Pursuit curves: Lead/pure/lag selection based on geometry.
- • OBFM: Perch setup to WEZ, heat-to-guns progression.
- • DBFM: Break turns, OOP maneuvers, jinks.
- • Energy management: Corner velocity 350-400 KCAS, AGSM for 5-5.5G.
MODULE 2 Air Refueling (Receiver) Elements
- • BSA/SAT patterns: Conventional, tactical, level diving.
- • IP-to-target: CCIP mode, HUD symbology tracking.
- • Strafe: Dive angle 10-20°, slant range 3,000-4,000 ft.
- • SEM egress: 4-4.3 G pull to safe altitude.
- • Shooter/Cover: Role coordination and mutual support.
MODULE 3 Air-to-Air (BFM) Elements
- • Lead duties: Planning, briefing, predictability.
- • Formation types: LAB (4-6K ft), wedge (30-45° AA).
- • Tactical maneuvers: Hook/cross turns, delayed 90/45.
- • Lead changes: Radio and visual handoff procedures.
- • Deconfliction: 1,000 ft bubble maintenance.
MODULE 4 Air-to-Ground Elements
- • Approach: 350 KCAS, 45° bank max, closure control.
- • Contact procedures: Obs → Pre-contact → Contact sequence.
- • Position stability: Small inputs, power first, reference points.
- • Breakaway: Immediate response - idle, speed brakes, descend.
- • PDL interpretation: Green/Amber/Red light responses.
COMMON Cross-Module Elements
- • Communications: BFM brevity, A/G calls, formation calls, receiver comms.
- • Energy management: Corner velocity, AB discipline, energy trades.
- • Risk mitigation: AGSM execution, KIO/terminate, safety priorities.
- • Avionics: PFD/MFD/HUD proficiency throughout all phases.
EVALUATION MISSION PROFILE
1
BRIEF
Mission planning
2
REFUEL
Receiver ops
3
BFM
Air-to-air
4
A/G
Surface attack
5
TAC FORM
Lead duties
6
RECOVER
RTB & debrief
Sequence: Depart KSPS → Tanker (receiver) → BFM area → A/G range → Tac form exercise → RTB KSPS
GRADING CRITERIA
PASS CRITERIA
- • All tolerances met consistently
- • Proper BFM geometry and pursuit selection
- • Valid A/G attack parameters and SEM
- • Predictable lead maneuvers
- • Stable receiver contact position
- • Proper breakaway execution
- • Effective AGSM throughout
AUTOMATIC FAILURES
- • G-LOC incident (simulated)
- • Terrain collision (CFIT)
- • Mid-air collision / deconfliction bust
- • Loss of sight without defensive action
- • Failure to execute breakaway
- • Gross heading/altitude deviations
- • Safety of flight compromise
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees must demonstrate integrated IFF Block 1 proficiency by meeting all evaluation criteria:
- • Maintain headings ±10° throughout all phases
- • Maintain altitudes ±100 feet
- • Maintain airspeeds ±10 knots
- • Demonstrate proper BFM pursuit selection and energy management
- • Execute valid A/G attack parameters with SEM
- • Demonstrate predictable tactical formation leadership
- • Maintain stable receiver position with proper breakaway
- • Execute AGSM during all high-G maneuvers
FLIGHT TOLERANCES
±100 ft
Altitude
±10°
Heading
±10 kts
Airspeed
Pass: IFF Block 1 certification confirmed; Combat Ready designation
IFF Block 1 Complete - Combat Ready
Upon successful completion of this proficiency review, trainees earn IFF Block 1 certification and Combat Ready designation, demonstrating proficiency in fighter fundamentals including BFM, air-to-ground, tactical formation leadership, and air refueling.
DEBRIEF FOCUS AREAS
- • BFM effectiveness: Pursuit selection, energy management, weapons employment timing.
- • A/G execution: Attack geometry, release parameters, SEM validity.
- • Formation leadership: Predictability, maneuver timing, lead change execution.
- • Receiver operations: Position stability, breakaway responsiveness.
- • Decision-making: Tactical choices, risk assessment, SA maintenance.
- • Areas for improvement: Specific recommendations for continued development.