Group

Rotary close air support

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This group is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.

The execution of a CAS request follows a standard choreography, consisting of a combination of transmissions and action phases. While some of the procedures differ between platforms due to differing capabilities, the overall flow is the same.

The CAS request

A CAS request is initated by the FAC giving a CAS brief: 

After the pilot indicates they are ready to receive the full request, the FAC transmits:

• a FM/BS-893 - Transmit a 9-line CAS request in the case of fixed-wing aircraft
• a 5-line in the case of rotary-wing aircraft and orbiting gunships

The pilot then reads back the relevant portions of the 9-line or 5-line; all information to begin the attack has been relayed.

The initial attack phase

Depending on the timing given during the request, the pilot starts to proceed towards the target.

The pilot acquires the target and plans for the most optimal attack pattern to enagage the target.

The final attack

If the pilot is happy with the plan they made during the initial attack phase, they commit to enagaging the target. This can mean beginning their dive towards the target, or performing a pop-up to unmask from behind terain.

The eggress

After having engaged the target, the pilot leaves the area of the target and proceeds back towards their initial starting point.

Transmission 1: Alert the aircraft

Alert the aircraft that a CAS request is about to start. This is the only transmission during the entire request where FM/BS-822 - Initiate a conversation on a transactional network is performed

[callsign of aircraft], this is [callsign of FAC], advise when ready for 5-line

Transmission 2: 5-line

FM/BS-899 - Transmit a 5-line CAS request

Transmit a game plan in the following format:

[callsign of aircraft], 

[callsign of FAC],

[type of control] control,

[method of attack], 

[ordnance requested]

The type of controls are explained here: FM/BS-846 - Understand the different CAS types of control

The methods of attack to chose from are:

Give a location in one of the following formats:

• If desired, multiple types can be combined for more accuracy
• Grid should not be used for friendly positions

Transmit a mark in one of the following formats:

• With tracers and sparkle, care must be taken to transmit the correct direction, as from the air the origin and target can otherwise be difficult to determine
• If using a non-standard laser code, it must be oncluded

As a FAC, transmit a 5-line CAS request for rotary-wing aircraft in the following format:

(1) FM/BS-897 - Transmit a CAS request game plan

(2) My position FM/BS-894 - Transmit a location during a CAS request (marked by FM/BS-895 - Transmit a mark during a CAS request)

(3) Target location [cardinal direction from the position given to the target] [distance from the position given to the target in meters]

(4) [brief description of the target] (marked by FM/BS-895 - Transmit a mark during a CAS request)

(5) FM/BS-843 - Transmit remarks and restrictions during a CAS request

• Line numbers are not spoken

Respond to a 5-line with:

[readback of all restrictions]

pushing

See FM/BS-843 - Transmit remarks and restrictions during a CAS request for a list of restrictions

Use the correct phraseology to control an aircraft performing the attack phase: FM/BS-906 - Understand the phraseology of the attack phase of a CAS request

Clear the aircraft to engage depending on the type of attack:

Leave the IP to arrive at the briefed TOT, and transmit:

IP inbound

In the context of a 5-line CAS request, this call is equivalent to pushing transmitted during FM/BS-845 - Respond to a 5-line and thus the above is skipped.

On route to the target, use the correct phraseology to inform the FAC of what is happening: FM/BS-906 - Understand the phraseology of the attack phase of a CAS request

When ready to engage the target, begin the final attack phase FM/BS-904 - Fly the final attack phase of a CAS request

Commence the final attack phase by transmitting:

In with [heading of your aircraft]

Await clearance to engage from the FAC. The clearance will come as either:

• Cleared hot: Type 1/2 attack
• Cleared to engage: Type 3 attack

Clearance can come at any point during the CAS request, and is never a requirement to proceed to the next step in the attack phase.The entire attack phase is still performed if no clearance is given, with the only difference being the employment of weapons.

After the engagement (or if clearance was not given in time), egress out of the target area by transmitting:

Egressing [direction of the egress]

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