by Gecko 6, 57th VFS Grave Dancers

Acquisition

After those precious seconds taken to identify your target comes the task of pointing your weapons. I am only going to scratch the surface on load-outs versus target types. Threat level really determines which delivery mode to choose. The three that we are all familiar with are CCRP, CCIP, and DTOS. Each offer the pilot certain benefits and hindrances.

CCRP Continuous Calculated Release Point

• Good for precision
• Good for location of a target illuminated by your radar
• Bad because you have to over fly the target in most cases

CCIP Continuous Calculated Impact Point

• Good for precision using visual targeting
• Good for minimal stand off
• Good for quick in and out attacks
• Bad in bringing you close to the target defenses

DTOS Dive Toss

• Great for long stand off deliveries
• Good for precision against an area target, area effect weapons
• Bad due to decreased accuracy, high learning curve to employ

Every pilot out there has a certain preferred way to employ each of the discussed delivery modes. I am not going to argue that my way is the right way, but this is how I have been employing each of the methods.

I use CCRP to find obvious targets on my radar and use the steering cues to locate the target faster. When acquired I slave my Mavericks and LGBs and wait for the image to appear in my MFD. I obtain the lock and do my pop-up and hopefully the ordnance releases giving me time to get back down. If you time it right the weapon will hit just as you get behind the nearest terrain feature. This takes some practice.

CCIP is my work horse mode. I use it for most of my point targets such as bridges, troops, airfields, or targets that require me to put all my bombs in the same area. I do take a lot of ground fire and SA-7 hits but I can bet my dog that I will hit the target.

DTOS? I love this mode! I can loft 4 MK-84s from 6 miles out and turn 180 degrees and be down behind cover before those bad boys hit! Even the best lofters out there have to admit, DTOS is best-used for down and dirty work. Best to play with the ripple and release, to maximize the effect. But don't expect to hit an air-conditioning vent with this mode; you are hitting the entire city block!

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5 Golden Rules!

• Thou shalt not engage a single fixed target more than once!
• Do the job on the first pass! Expend all ordnance!
• Don't ever look to see if you hit or not. That is what the ACMI is for!
• Be aware of your altitude!
• Know when to break off!

Exiting Target Area

I have stressed over and over again to get down behind the nearest terrain feature and put a big chunk of real estate between you and the target. If you were inbound at an altitude of 200 feet you had better be exiting at 100 feet or less. You have just kicked the hornet's nest and they are pissed!

Continue to follow the simple rules of low-level flight discussed earlier. If you are in a 4-ship flight break off into your elements, the old rule of thumb. Everyone knows that four targets are harder to hit than a group of four. Make the enemy work for their meals!

Flight leads need to get a sitrep (situation report) from all pilots in his or her flight. Categorize the damaged birds from most severe to least. It is the lead ship's responsibility to decide to land at the alternate runway or try for home plate.

If you burn in on the runway be considerate to your fellow pilots and only take out one lane of the runway. Announce which side you intend on landing on. Finally, get off into the grass ASAP!

I hope this helps you better appreciate the level of control that Falcon 4 offers to us. Thank you for reading, and I wish you God's speed in all of your virtual missions.

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