In this first of a series of articles, we'll take a look at Mission Planning within the campaign structure and single mission options of Jane's F-15.

The quote reflects the general feeling during the Gulf War that for certain sorties, potential SAM threats were actually preferred over the great volume of barrage AAA that was being thrown their way. Traditional F-15E doctrine prior to the Gulf War reflected the fact that the preferred method of attack was fast and low. Unfortunately this method of attack brought them in range of an unexpectedly high AAA threat. The lessons learned during the first days of the Gulf War changed the thinking of air planners, and as a result, sorties were flown at higher altitudes to avoid ground-based AAA.

Mission planning, more commonly referred to as the "frag order", is critical in determining the best way to take out a target. Targets are identified, routes are assigned, ordinance is selected, additional assets (flights) are coordinated, and flight crews/aircraft are chosen for the mission at-hand. This process is akin to an orchestral performance with each element following the score meticulously.

F-15's frag order is the MISSION BRIEFING section. This section supplies a wealth of information for flight planning and gives the pilot the opportunity to modify key mission parameters. I cannot stress this strongly enough: it is important to become familiar with the mission briefing for each mission to the point of memorization. Because key frag order information cannot be recalled during flight, it will be important to have this information available - either by memorization, or in my case keeping copious notes. I like to think of this as my pilot's kneepad and I have it at-the-ready during my flight.

The MISSION BRIEFING is made up of several main sections:

• · Briefing
• · Mission Map
• · Intelligence Information

The following subsections are available within each section:

• · Airframe Select
• · Flight Crew Select
• · Arming - Select Loadout
• · Targeting

Briefing

This area includes most of the mission description text. Key points are usually touched on:

• · Mission Background - usually a summary to key points
• · Package - how many aircraft in your flight
• · Supporting Aircraft - CAP flights, Refueling, AWACs, JSTARS, EW/SEAD, etc.
• · Preferred Formation - recommended formation for attack run
• · Callsign - fight's ID
• · Time on Target (TOT) - the time you should over-fly the target waypoint
• · Bullseye - location of "Bullseye" for target/bogey reference
• · Weather - meteorological (Met) report
• · Expected Threats - possible ground and air threats
• · Rules of Engagement (ROE) - be care of missions that specify restricted ROEs
• · Targets - target type
• · Recommended Loadout - recommended ordinance

Click to continue . . .

Mission Map

Since F-15 doesn't have the ability to recall the mission map in flight, it behooves you to study the mission map beforehand. Is there a Bullseye available? AWACs and JSTARS will identify target location and incoming bogeys by their relative proximity to the Bullseye. Where is the Bullseye in reference to the target waypoint?

Look closely at the mission map. How many waypoints are there? Though the mission map does not label waypoint numbers, you can simply follow the flight path and count the number of WPs. Pay particular attention to the initial point WP (IP - the WP preceding the target WP), the target waypoint, and the egress (exit) waypoint. If refueling is necessary, make sure you know which WP the refueler will be orbiting. Additional flights may form on your flight at a certain waypoint too.

The DATA Up Front Control (UFC) key is an important reference when trying to follow the mission parameters. I regularly use it while I am transiting locations. It gives the pilot a wealth of information including next WP number (plus the ability to switch between WPs), recommended speed and altitude, current time, Estimated Time Enroute/Estimated Time of Arrival, and Fuel Remaining.

The recommended speed and altitude I find are very necessary as the mission planners have probably calculated the necessary Time-on-Target (TOT) and have designed the speed/alt settings to meet the mission criteria. Miss your TOT and its likely that supporting aircraft may not coordinate properly.

Also, take note of any airbases along your flight path. These can be used in the event of mechanical or battle damage. You can locate certain airbases by using the TACAN channels. TACAN identifies not only ground objects, but airborne ones as well. If you ever get turned around and need to locate and airbase or airborne refueler, TACAN can point the way home.

Don't forget you have the ability to add and delete waypoints to the mission. This may be helpful if the default mission WP profile doesn't allow for enough time or a proper angle during High Resolution Map (HRM) generation.

Go to Part 2