dobroDude Posted September 23, 2019 Posted September 23, 2019 Seems like everyone knows what A-pole and F-pole mean, but I'm curious as to what the terms came from. What does the A, the F, and the "pole" mean? Sounds like engineering terms but I hate throwing around jargon without actually knowing the why.
SFJackBauer Posted September 23, 2019 Posted September 23, 2019 From my understanding it comes from the vertical line that is projected into the Radar scope or HUD that represents the missile range, which together with the max range / no escape zone brackets looks like a telephone pole.
AeriaGloria Posted September 24, 2019 Posted September 24, 2019 I would think the science/math term relating to polar, as in the pole of a magnet being a straight line that connects the north/south of a magnet. For example you can describe an electric motor with how many poles it has, two pole four pole etc Black Shark Den Squadron Member: We are open to new recruits, click here to check us out or apply to join! https://blacksharkden.com
dobroDude Posted September 24, 2019 Author Posted September 24, 2019 From my understanding it comes from the vertical line that is projected into the Radar scope or HUD that represents the missile range, which together with the max range / no escape zone brackets looks like a telephone pole. Hmm I'm pretty the terms have been around for a long time— well before radar scopes as we know them had a place in the cockpit. I would think the science/math term relating to polar, as in the pole of a magnet being a straight line that connects the north/south of a magnet. For example you can describe an electric motor with how many poles it has, two pole four pole etc This sounds like the right idea. Any idea where the A and F come from? Probably A for active.
Vatikus Posted September 24, 2019 Posted September 24, 2019 A active, yes F time of flight E kinematical evasion N notch
Frederf Posted September 24, 2019 Posted September 24, 2019 I'm guessing "pole" is meant to represent a literal stick like in horseback jousting and/or the stick as shown in physical models or ACMI review. The other thought I would have is that ranges would be displayed in a vertical format on the radar or HUD aka "DLZ" where various ranges would feature at certain positions along a vertical "pole" line. It's interesting and I bet an old-old timer on f-16.net would know the origins. A is certainly active, F probably final, E energy or evasion or escape.
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