Advanced PO Flashcards
(102 cards)
What are some problems that we may face if illumination is combined with smoke and dust?
Can further degrade visibility.
What advantages does Laser Guided Systems give the ground force?
The ability to locate and engage high priority targets with an increased first-round hit probability.
Basic Considerations for Night CAS
- Limited visibility operations require additional coordination and equipment
- IR marking systems can quickly pinpoint targets
- During periods of low illumination and reduced visibility both CAS aircrew and ground forces may have difficulty in acquiring targets and accurately locating enemy and friendly forces
- Selectively placed illumination may degrade enemy NVD while enhancing ours
- Low ceilings may require CAS aircraft to operate in low to very low altitude environment depending on the sensor on board and the weapons being used
- Accurate target marking plays a vital role in target acquisition at night and during adverse weather
- CAS aircraft operating in low to very low environment will also have reduced target acquisition times
- Illumination and flares combined with smoke and dust can further degrade visibility
Equipment for Night CAS
- Glint tape
- Glow sticks (buzz saw)
- IR pointer
- Beacon
- Laser Target Designator
Three Types of Night CAS Employment Methods
- Visual employment on illuminated battle field
- System-aided employment
- Night vision device employment
Two Methods of Visual Employment
- Illumination
- Marking
Five Methods of System-aided Employment
- Laser
- IAM
- HMCS
- EO/IR
- RADAR
NVD Advantages
- Enhanced situational awareness and crew confidence levels on the ground and in the air
- Increases surprise and survivability in threat environment, key role in minimizing the risk of fratricide
- Selectively placed airborne and ground illumination may further degrade enemy night vision capabilities while preserving or enhancing those of friendly forces
NVD Disadvantages
- Reduced illumination levels may degrade the ability to effectively employ NVDs without artificial illumination
- Limited field of view NVGs can lead to loss of SA
- Enemy may possess night vision devices
- Enemy decoy deceptive lighting can easily be employed
CAS
Close air support is air action by fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft on hostile targets within close proximity to friendly forces and requires detailed integration of each mission with the fires and movement of those forces.
Target Mark Options
- Laser designators (ground/airborne)
- Airborne illumination
- Surface delivered illumination
- Smoke RP
- Direct fire weapons
- IR pointers
- RADAR
- Enemy ground fire
Adverse Weather CAS Considerations
- High or low level tactics
- IP/BP Selection
- Type of control
- Difficulty in assessing Battle Damage Assessment
- UAV missions may be restricted
- Methods of attack
- LGB deliveries
Autonomous LGB Employment
Uses the CAS aircraft’s onboard LTD for terminal weapons guidance.
Assisted LGB Employment
Uses an off-board LTD for terminal weapons guidance.
Five Basic Considerations for Laser Mission
- A line of sight must exist
- Direction of attack
- The laser designator must designate the target at the correct time
- PRF codes must be compatible
- Delivery system must release the weapon within the specific weapon’s delivery envelope
Environmental Factors that Affect Laser Operations
- Clouds and fog
- Darkness
- Obstructions
- Temperature Extremes
- Solar saturation
- Smoke and haze
- Non-reflecting/refracting targets
Three Phases of a LGB Flight Path
- Ballistic
- Transition
- Terminal
Airborne and Ground Designators Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Increased standoff
- Larger target area footprint
Disadvantages
- Larger laser spot size
- Increased susceptibility to podium effect
JTAC
A qualified (certified) service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive operations.
Airborne and Ground Designators Trail Position Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Increased probability of success (spot detection)
- Increased standoff
Disadvantages
- Axis restrictive
- Increased platform predictability
Airborne and Ground Designators Overhead Wheel Position Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Decreased platform predictability
- Good standoff
Disadvantages
- Decreased effectiveness in target area with varying vertical development (podium effect)
Airborne and Ground Designators Offset or Opposing Wheel Position
Advantages
- Decreased platform predictability
- Excellent standoff
Disadvantages
- Axis restrictive
- Increased susceptibility to podium effect
- Coordination intensive
Two Types of Surfaces to Avoid Designating
- Mirror-like surfaces
- Surfaces that may absorb most of the laser energy
Type of Reflection Best for LST or LGW Seeker Acquisition
Scattered