BVR
Beyond Visual Range BFM
So far we have looked at close up and personal air combat. Those techniques and practices are the fundamental roots of air combat. All air combat is based on BFM, the modern day "joust" between knights of the sky in visual range. Once a pilot is trained how to handle a dogfight where the aircraft are in visual range, he must be taught how to avoid getting this close in the first place. He must learn how to maneuver against an aircraft that is BVR (beyond visual range). In this chapter I will go into the basic steps of BVR combat and how to prep for a shot.
Modern simulations present different levels of realism in the RADAR avionics. As a result of developers desire to present balanced game play, many of these RADAR models are overly powerful and extra accurate in order to compensate for the lack of real world situational awareness you would have if you were actually in the aircraft. Because of this, they are rarely realistic and give away entirely too much information. There are only a handful of simulations out,like Jane's F-15 or F/A-18, that have incredibly well modeled avionics packages that actually act as a real aircraft avionics package would.
Based on all of this, you have probably figured out that the RADAR is the primary sensor for detecting bogeys BVR. It may also be possible to get data from air borne sensor platforms such as an AWACS. Regardless of where this data comes from initially, you must act upon the information and begin to take measures to put yourself at a tactical advantage. To accomplish this, there are 6 basic steps that must be set into motion:
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1. Detection
2. Sorting
3. Targeting
4. Intercept
5. Engage
6. Separate
These are not different items you can execute; they are steps that must all be executed in this order to avoid a breakdown of the tactical plan. You must understand and be familiar with each step.
Detection
Until you know the bandit is there, you can do anything. It is quite possible, and does happen, that flights of opposing sides may fly right by each other. "But I have my RADAR on," you are thinking. Well, that is great, but real RADAR, and thus a well-modeled RADAR package, is not the all seeing "RADAR of GOD". There are parameters you must meet to be able to even get another aircraft to show up on your scope.
RADARS have what are called "search volumes", or "areas of scan". Modern fighters have a "sweep" or side to side scan of 120° . This single sweep is called a bar. There are normally between 4 to 6 bars that you have the ability to adjust. Figure 6-1 shows a 1 bar scan and a 4 bar scan pattern.
So if one bar is so limited, why not always use 4 bar scans? A one bar scan allows the RADAR to get back to a detected object 4 times faster than a 4 bar scan, thus updating your screen that much faster. In the period of time RADAR scans 4 bars, a bandit could easily move out of the RADAR scan area. Remember, most modern aircraft have on board sensors to alert them if they are "pinged" or "painted" by RADAR. ("ping" and "paint" are terms used to denote being scanned and/or detected by RADAR.)
As a result, once you detect a bandit, he may have enough time to move out of scan range. Also, a smaller scan elevation (number of bars), thus more frequent updates, usually increase the odds that you will be able to "Lock" onto the bandit. A 4 bar scan is useful when you are "sweeping" (generally scanning) an area for unknown aircraft. Once you have a general fix on the bearing and altitude of the bogeys, you would want to go to a smaller scan. In addition to the selection of number of scan bars, you are generally able to point the RADAR cone up or down as well.
If you are searching for bogeys you believe or close to the ground, you can crank down the RADAR scan cone and use 1 bar, giving you faster and more accurate updates. Figure 6-2 shows the difference in scan areas of a RADAR cone depending on where it is pointed
You do not want all aircraft in your flight to search the same area with RADAR. AWACS or GCI may vector you towards a group of bogeys. If you have their bearing and altitude, you can use a small RADAR search pattern. Otherwise, you generally want to search the greatest volume of air space possible. You should work out search patterns with your flight so that you cover the widest are with as little overlap as possible.
Figures 6-3 and 6-4 show examples of search patterns for flights. Figure 6-3 shows a flight of 4 using the "Finger Four" formation which allows each aircraft to search a different area of airspace and also allows good visual coverage of the other aircraft in the flights "6" position. Figure 6-4 shows a 2-ship flight flying "Line Abreast" and the area they would sweep their RADAR cones in to get maximum coverage. The difference in scan areas of a RADAR cone depending on where it is pointed.
Figure 6-3
Figure 6-4
Sorting
Once you have detected bogeys, you need to sort them. To sort them is to answer 4 primary questions:
1. Are they Friend or Foe?
2. How many are there?
3. What formation are they in?
4. What are they doing?
The first thing you must do when you detect a bogey is to alert the other aircraft in your flight. This is first, foremost, and paramount. You want to let everyone with you know what you see, where you see it, and make sure they all see it too. You can then confirm or deny each other's findings and insure you really know what is out there.
"Alpha11, Alpha12 &2 bogeys at 10 o'clock, low aspect, line astern, range 23 miles, angels' 20"
"Alpha12, Alpha11 confirming 2 bogeys, 10 o'clock, low aspect, line astern, 23 miles, angels 20"
Alpha11, lead, has just confirmed he sees the same aircraft on his RADAR scope as you do. Now you both know where the bogeys are, how many there are, and what they are doing (heading straight for you). While you are doing this, you can be checking them with IFF or NCTR (devices to identify if an aircraft is friendly or not).
"Alpha11, Alpha12 &2 bogeys at 10 o'clock, nose on, line astern, range 23 miles, angles 20"
"Alpha12, Alpha11 confirming 2 bogeys, 10 o'clock, nose on, line astern, 23 miles, angles 20"
"Alpha11, Alpha12, bogeys are not responding to NCTR"
"Alpha12, Alpha11 confirms bogeys are probably hostile"
Alpha11 is checking IFF/NCTR as well. The odds that these are bandits has just increased since you both got negative readings.
This last line would probably be followed by an order for a maneuver to align the newly determined bandits up for a shot.
Targeting Now you must target your bandits. Generally, a targeting plan is briefed before take off. You could call your targets in the air, or more realistically, take your target orders from your wing leader. Most flight sim pilots will probably call targets on the fly.
"Rhino12, Rhino11, take the bandit high and to your right. I have the bandit low and to the left."
"Rhino11, Rhino12, copy, engaging bandit high and to the right."
Intercept
This is where you will close in and engage the bandits. At this time, you would drive to the weapons envelope, lock and launch your missile. If you are fortunate, and did everything right, you will get a BVR kill. Remember that, while you are setting up to shoot, when you detected the bandit, he probably detected you. He is more than likely doing the same thing to you; you are doing to him. So as you approach the bandit, keep him out of weapons parameters.
Engagement
So your BVR shot missed. Now you are entering the world of BFM. This is where you get to try all the fancy stuff we already discussed. As you merge together you need to start using all the other lessons we have gone through so far. Start from the beginning and work your way through the lessons.
Separate
No matter how sure you are of your eminent success, always be prepared to separate and leave a fight. Watch you Escape Window and know where it is. You also need to know where you plan to go after the fight. Enemy pilots calling for help and brilliant balls of fire, followed by trailing smoke from a rapidly descending chunk of aircraft tends to attract just a wee bit of attention. Know what heading you plan to egress on and be prepared to do it.
The Encounter
I am going to take a tried and true approach from most every reference I used and give an example here of what an encounter may sound like. Since all aircraft are in formation together, I will use BRA calls instead of BULLSEYE calls. This will also make it easier for you to follow along. It is critical to let the other pilots know, what you see, where it is, and what they are doing. It is also imperative you tell them who you are talking to and who you are.
Flight of 4:
Alpha Lead is Alpha 11 (one one) His wingman is Alpha 12 (one two) Element 2 Lead is Alpha 13 (one three) Element 2 wingman is Alpha 14 (one four) BEAR is AWACS
Situation:
Alpha Flight is performing a SWEEP. They are currently heading at 030 in a finger four formation when they pick up contacts.
Figure 6-5
Alpha11: "Alpha,Alpha 11, . . . two hits, close-abreast at 045 . . . for 40 . . . angles 20 . . . hot. Confirm?"
Alpha 12: "Alpha 11, Alpha 12, negative."
Alpha13: "Alpha 11, Alpha 13, confirm hits."
Alpha 14: "Alpha 11, Alpha 14, confirm hits."
Alpha11: "Alpha,Alpha 11, negative prints, confirm?"
Alpha12: "Alpha 11, Alpha 12, no joy on bogeys."
Alpha13: "Alpha 11, Alpha 13, confirm, Negative print."
Alpha14: "Alpha11, Alpha14 confirm, Negative print on bogeys."
The flight has 3 readings that all agree at this point. The odds are very high these are not friendly aircraft. Alpha 12 has been unable to pick up the bogies, but is aware of where they are and knows where to look. The communication in the flight has everyone up to speed on all the data available at this time, whether they can see the bandits or not. They know where the bandits are, that there are 2, and that they are not responding as friendly on NCTR or IFF.
Alpha 11: "BEAR, declare bogies, two hits, line abreast, from our location, BRAA 045, for 40, medium, hot. negative prints, request permission to engage."
BEAR: "Alpha 11, BEAR, bogies declared as bandits, commit."
Alpha11: "BEAR, Alpha 11, copy, permission to engage bandits at BRA 045, 40 miles, nose on, line abreast, Angels 20, granted."
Frequently, VID (Visual Identification) is required. For our little scenario, AWACS has decided that these guys are not good guys and allowed Alpha Flight to engage BVR. Maybe the bandits are bit to close to the AWACS for them to feel warm and fuzzy.
Figure 6-6
Alpha 11: "Bracket On mark." "Mark."
Alpha13: "Sorting western bandit."
Alpha14: "Sanitizing."
Alpha13: "Good track on eastern bandit, naked."
Alpha13: "FOX 3"
Alpha14: "Re-setting"
Alpha13: "Re-setting."
Alpha11: "Alpha 13, Alpha11, good kill on eastern bandit, continue reset."
Alpha13: "Roger Alpha 11, resetting."
At this point, the first element is pitching into the fight and coming in behind Alpha 13 and 14. Alpha 11 and 12 are now in position to engage any bandits that avoid the first volley and Alpha 13 and 14 are getting out of harms way if the bandits fire back. Alpha 13 has killed the eastern most bandit and is now rejoining his leads formation.
Figure 6-7
Alpha11: "Western bandit at 010, for 40, medium, hot."
Alpha12: "Roger."
Alpha 12: "Spike . . . notching west."
The bandit is locking up Alpha 12 on RADAR. Alpha 12 is turning to the west to "beam" the bandit. "Beaming" is putting the bandit on your 3/9 line which causes problems for many types of RADAR and may cause the lock to break.
Figure 6-8
Alpha11: "Copy notch Alpha 12."
Alpha11: "Fox 3."
Alpha11: "Good kill on eastern bandit."
Alpha12: "Roger lead, good kill, scope clean . . . naked."
Alpha11: "Alpha flight, say status and resume formation."
All the bandits have been eliminated. Lead is requesting status of all aircraft and ordering them to reform .
