JTAC attack heading

[awdrgyjo]

Does anyone know wht JTAC give you an attack heading for a target, and, is this advisory, or mandatory, thanks in advance

[Tailgate]

I believe modes 1 and 2 give you an attack corridor and egress direction. As far as mandatory, the AI never complained if I hit it from another direction. But since they are ground controlled modes, it's probably a good idea to follow their instructions or the CO will hear an ear full. :)

 

 

-Unless the "Abort, Abort, Abort" call was a complaint. But I think my CBU's floated a little too close to them. ;)

Edited March 15, 2012 by Tailgate

[Speedbrake]

It may be based on several factors such as maintaining the safety of the JTAC or enemy activity. In the case of a mission I made up that took place in the mountains...the heading lined you up to go down the valley. The first pass on the target area was one direction down the valley and the second pass was approximately 180 degrees opposite.

[BlueRidgeDx]

In the real world, it's mandatory. Reasons for giving an attack heading include:

 

Avoidance of friendly forces in case of long/short impact.

 

Avoidance of hazardous terrain or threats observed by the JTAC.

 

Avoidance of the Laser-Target Line. There's an ideal zone for laser reflectance on either side of the Laser-Target Line. In between these two areas, is an area where weapons might guide on the laser designator instead of the target.

[Paco]

Attack headings/restrictions are based on a variety of factors. Most common is the relation of the attack run to friendlies. Ideally you make runs parallel to friendlies but this is not always possible. It might be due to the JTAC lasing a target which then requires a specific run in heading. It might also be to deconflict between air and artillery or air and attack helos. Lots of reasons. The virtual JTAC, while he gives run in restrictions does not care if you bust them.