Procedures/78th/A2A/BFM - Revision history

Niknam3: /* The Turn Circle */

2026-05-23T17:50:20Z

The Turn Circle

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 23 May 2026
Line 228:		Line 228:

	=== The Turn Circle ===		=== The Turn Circle ===
			[[File:TurnCircleEntry.png\|frameless\|900x900px]]

	Every maneuvering aircraft has a turn circle, the circular path it is flying at any given moment. To employ weapons on the bandit you must get inside his turn circle, or at minimum align with it. Getting outside means you are turning wider than he is and falling behind.		Every maneuvering aircraft has a turn circle, the circular path it is flying at any given moment. To employ weapons on the bandit you must get inside his turn circle, or at minimum align with it. Getting outside means you are turning wider than he is and falling behind.

Niknam3: /* BFM V-B — One-Circle Fight */

2026-05-23T17:46:46Z

BFM V-B — One-Circle Fight

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 23 May 2026
Line 574:		Line 574:

	== BFM V-B — One-Circle Fight ==		== BFM V-B — One-Circle Fight ==
	A one-circle fight begins when the bandit turns toward you at the merge. Both aircraft are now circling back to meet each other in a second nose-to-nose pass. The ground track resembles a single circle. Unlike the two-circle fight where turn rate is the deciding factor, the one-circle fight is a '''turn radius contest'''~~. The aircraft that can get its nose around the circle faster — by minimizing turn radius — will arrive at the next merge with an angular advantage~~.		A one-circle fight begins when the bandit turns toward you at the merge. Both aircraft are now circling back to meet each other in a second nose-to-nose pass. The ground track resembles a single circle. Unlike the two-circle fight where turn rate is the deciding factor, the one-circle fight is a '''turn radius contest'''.

	=== Why Radius and Not Rate ===		=== Why Radius and Not Rate ===
Line 582:		Line 582:

	=== The Minimum Radius Gameplan ===		=== The Minimum Radius Gameplan ===
	To minimize turn radius in the F-16, pull enough G to reach a moderate aerodynamic buffet. The buffet indicates the aircraft is operating above the sustained turn rate and approaching the maximum lift line on the EM diagram — the region of minimum radius. Do not stall. A moderate buffet is the target~~, not maximum back pressure~~.		To minimize turn radius in the F-16, pull enough G to reach a moderate aerodynamic buffet. The buffet indicates the aircraft is operating above the sustained turn rate and approaching the maximum lift line on the EM diagram — the region of minimum radius. Do not stall. A moderate buffet is the target.

	The F-16 does not have an audio cue for this in DCS. Use the physical buffet as the indicator. If nothing is shaking, more G is needed.		The F-16 does not have an audio cue for this in DCS. Use the physical buffet as the indicator. If nothing is shaking, more G is needed.

	~~Select maximum afterburner throughout. The minimum radius game plan costs energy — AB partially offsets this bleed and maintains options for subsequent maneuvering.~~

	=== Reading the Fight ===		=== Reading the Fight ===
Line 629:		Line 627:
	When losing cues are present, first confirm G is sufficient — pull to moderate buffet if not already there. If the situation continues to deteriorate, transition to defensive BFM immediately. The one-circle fight has become a defensive situation and should be treated as one.		When losing cues are present, first confirm G is sufficient — pull to moderate buffet if not already there. If the situation continues to deteriorate, transition to defensive BFM immediately. The one-circle fight has become a defensive situation and should be treated as one.

	Never stop maneuvering. A neutral position is always recoverable~~. A position lost by giving up is not~~.		Never stop maneuvering. A neutral position is always recoverable.

Niknam3: /* Losing Tally */

2026-05-23T17:40:13Z

Losing Tally

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:40, 23 May 2026
Line 531:		Line 531:

	'''Search along the turn circle.''' The bandit's most likely position is in the high-probability kill zone behind and above — the high-Pk WEZ. When the area behind you is clear, scan upward along the turn circle. The bandit will be somewhere along that arc if still engaged.		'''Search along the turn circle.''' The bandit's most likely position is in the high-probability kill zone behind and above — the high-Pk WEZ. When the area behind you is clear, scan upward along the turn circle. The bandit will be somewhere along that arc if still engaged.

			== BFM V-A — Two-Circle Fight ==
			A two-circle fight begins when the bandit turns away from you at the merge. Both aircraft are now chasing each other's tail, producing a ground track that resembles two separate circles. The fight is a turn rate contest — the aircraft that can sustain a higher turn rate will eventually work its nose onto the the tail of the other.

			=== The Default Gameplan ===
			In a two-circle fight, maintain best sustained turn rate. Do not deviate from this. The temptation to pull into lead or pure pursuit to force a quick shot will produce a predictable result: range closes rapidly, aspect increases to beam or beyond, and the bandit drifts aft on the canopy. The fight resets to where it started. This yo-yoing effect will repeat indefinitely if the pilot keeps chasing the shot prematurely. Stay on the sustained rate turn and let the geometry develop.

			=== Reading the Fight ===
			As both aircraft complete the first circle, the bandit's position on the canopy provides continuous information about how the fight is developing. Three conditions are possible:
			{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
			!Visual Cue
			!Assessment
			!Action
			\|-
			\|Bandit moving forward on the canopy, aspect stagnant or decreasing
			\|Winning — angular advantage is building
			\|Continue sustained rate turn; prepare for lead turn at next merge
			\|-
			\|Bandit moving forward on the canopy, aspect increasing toward nose-to-nose
			\|Neutral — neither pilot has an advantage
			\|Assess energy state; choose one-circle or two-circle at the next merge
			\|-
			\|Bandit's motion stagnant or drifting aft, bandit showing narrow nose-on profile
			\|Losing — bandit is gaining angular advantage
			\|Check G — increase to moderate buffet; if insufficient, transition to defensive BFM
			\|}
			When neutral cues are present, the decision between one-circle and two-circle at the next merge is based on energy state. Above approximately 350 KCAS the aircraft has sufficient energy for a sustained rate two-circle game plan. Below that, the turn radius is already small enough that a one-circle minimum radius game plan is more effective.

			=== Turn Circle Extension (TCX) ===
			Even with a turn rate advantage, the two turn circles will not be perfectly aligned after the first pass. The bandit will yo-yo up and down the canopy as the circles overlap and separate. Forcing a shot during this phase produces the same premature high-aspect result described above. The solution is the turn circle extension.

			A TCX is two to three seconds of easing off the G — not a full unload, just a reduction in back pressure that allows the center of the turn circle to shift. This repositions the turn circle to better align with the bandit's. It is not a straight line, though it can be. It is simply a brief relaxation of the sustained rate pull followed by resumption.

			The cue to extend is the bandit sliding into the assessment window — approximately 45 to 60 degrees AA — combined with aft LOS movement. This is the same assessment window used in offensive BFM. If the bandit's aspect is above 30 degrees, ease back on the G. That easing is the TCX.

			Timing matters. A TCX initiated too early shifts the turn circle sideways without closing the gap. A TCX initiated too late pushes both circles further apart. The correct moment is when the bandit is in the assessment window with aft LOS developing.

			Multiple TCX corrections should be expected before the turn circles align. The manual notes that this process can require between 500 and 1,000 degrees of turning — approximately three times around the circle. Do not force it. Once the circles align, the fight transitions naturally into offensive BFM.

			=== Regaining Tally ===
			If tally is lost during a two-circle fight, apply the rules from the fundamentals section: maintain the turn and scan along the turn circle upward through the high-Pk zone. In a nose-to-tail fight the bandit will be somewhere along that arc. Do not level the wings.

			== BFM V-B — One-Circle Fight ==
			A one-circle fight begins when the bandit turns toward you at the merge. Both aircraft are now circling back to meet each other in a second nose-to-nose pass. The ground track resembles a single circle. Unlike the two-circle fight where turn rate is the deciding factor, the one-circle fight is a '''turn radius contest'''. The aircraft that can get its nose around the circle faster — by minimizing turn radius — will arrive at the next merge with an angular advantage.

			=== Why Radius and Not Rate ===
			In a two-circle fight, a smaller radius produces no advantage because both aircraft are always on opposite sides of their respective circles and never converge to a point where the nose can be brought to bear. Turn rate determines who gets there first.

			In a one-circle fight the geometry is different. Both aircraft are converging on the same point — the next merge. The aircraft with the smaller radius gets its nose pointed at the bandit sooner, creating an opportunity for a lead turn or even a shot before the second pass. The aircraft with the larger radius arrives late and with less angular advantage.

			=== The Minimum Radius Gameplan ===
			To minimize turn radius in the F-16, pull enough G to reach a moderate aerodynamic buffet. The buffet indicates the aircraft is operating above the sustained turn rate and approaching the maximum lift line on the EM diagram — the region of minimum radius. Do not stall. A moderate buffet is the target, not maximum back pressure.

			The F-16 does not have an audio cue for this in DCS. Use the physical buffet as the indicator. If nothing is shaking, more G is needed.

			Select maximum afterburner throughout. The minimum radius game plan costs energy — AB partially offsets this bleed and maintains options for subsequent maneuvering.

			=== Reading the Fight ===
			As both aircraft come around the circle toward the second merge, the bandit's position on the canopy indicates whether the radius fight is being won or lost:
			{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
			!Visual Cue
			!Assessment
			!Action
			\|-
			\|Bandit moving forward on the canopy, aspect stagnant or decreasing, top of bandit's aircraft visible
			\|Winning — angular advantage is building
			\|Execute lead turn at next merge to convert to offensive BFM
			\|-
			\|Bandit near or inside the canopy, nose pointed at you, bandit showing narrow nose-on profile
			\|Neutral — neither pilot has significant advantage
			\|Assess energy state; choose fight geometry at next merge
			\|-
			\|Bandit's motion stagnant or drifting aft, bandit showing narrow nose-on profile
			\|Losing — bandit is gaining the angular advantage
			\|Increase G to moderate buffet; if insufficient, transition to defensive BFM
			\|}

			=== At the Next Merge ===
			A one-circle fight always leads to a second merge. Three outcomes are possible at that merge:

			* '''Another one-circle''' — bandit turns away again. Continue minimum radius game plan.
			* '''Two-circle''' — bandit turns toward you. Transition to sustained rate game plan.
			* '''Scissors''' — both aircraft begin reversing rapidly on each other. See below.

			The decision between one-circle and two-circle at the second merge is based on energy state. Above approximately 350 KCAS the aircraft has enough energy for a sustained rate two-circle game plan. Below that, the turn radius is already small and one-circle minimum radius is more effective. Do not be indecisive — the last fighter to turn determines the fight geometry. Commit to a direction.

			=== The Scissors ===
			The scissors develops when both aircraft are reversing rapidly on each other and neither can establish a clean angular advantage. Both aircraft are within the other's turn circle. The ground track resembles scissor blades opening and closing.

			The gameplan in a scissors is identical to the one-circle minimum radius game plan: minimize forward ground track by minimizing turn radius. Pull to moderate buffet, place the lift vector on the bandit, and select max afterburner. The aircraft with the smaller forward ground track will eventually fall behind the other and transition to an offensive position.

			One-circle fights and scissors consume energy at a high rate due to the sustained high-G maneuvering required. Be aware of airspeed throughout — winning the radius fight but arriving slow leaves the bandit with an energy advantage that may be unrecoverable.

			=== Losing the One-Circle ===
			If the bandit is gaining the angular advantage, the symptoms are: the bandit's motion on the canopy goes stagnant or drifts aft, and the bandit's profile narrows to a pure pursuit nose-on silhouette. This is the bandit executing the same minimum radius game plan successfully.

			When losing cues are present, first confirm G is sufficient — pull to moderate buffet if not already there. If the situation continues to deteriorate, transition to defensive BFM immediately. The one-circle fight has become a defensive situation and should be treated as one.

			Never stop maneuvering. A neutral position is always recoverable. A position lost by giving up is not.

Niknam3: /* Turning Room */

2026-05-23T17:10:46Z

Turning Room

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 23 May 2026
Line 509:		Line 509:

	=== Turning Room ===		=== Turning Room ===
	Turning room is the separation between the two aircraft that is available to turn into. It can be built vertically or laterally, but ~~not~~ to the outside of the bandit's turn circle — floating ~~to the~~ outside gives the bandit more time and reduces the ~~available turning room before~~ the ~~merge~~.		Turning room is the separation between the two aircraft that is available to turn into. It can be built vertically or laterally, but never to the outside of the bandit's turn circle — floating outside gives the bandit more time and reduces the angular advantage gained in the lead turn.

	~~Vertical turning room~~ is ~~built during~~ the ~~check-away turn by climbing or descending~~. ~~The direction of~~ the ~~climb or descent affects energy state~~ at the ~~merge, which must be managed using~~ the ~~'''energy atom''':~~		The overriding factor when deciding whether to climb or descend is ease of tally on the bandit, and denying the bandit tally on you. Use the environment — put the bandit against a cloud, get between the bandit and the sun, avoid staying at the same altitude as the bandit. Tally is survival.

	* Descending toward the bandit~~: expect to arrive~~ approximately 100 KCAS ~~faster than~~ the ~~bandit's speed~~. ~~Start~~ approximately 100 KCAS ~~slow to compensate~~.		Vertical turning room comes with an energy cost that must be accounted for. A descent toward the bandit will add approximately 100 KCAS at the merge. A climb will cost approximately 100 KCAS. If this is not managed, the pilot will either overshoot the bandit or arrive too slow to sustain a competitive turn rate. Adjust entry speed before the turn-in accordingly. The fastest way to build speed without turning is to unload the aircraft — do this in the seconds between the turn-in and the merge.
	* Climbing toward the bandit~~: expect~~ to ~~arrive approximately 100 KCAS slower~~. ~~Start approximately 100 KCAS fast~~.
	* Co-~~altitude: fly at~~ the ~~bandit's briefed speed~~.

	~~These figures are approximate and must be adjusted based on~~ the ~~specific altitude differential involved~~.		Lateral turning room is always built to the inside of the bandit's turn circle. There is no useful lateral room to the outside.

	=== Determining Fight Geometry ===		=== Determining Fight Geometry ===

Niknam3: /* Maneuver Selection Summary */

2026-05-23T17:10:40Z

Maneuver Selection Summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 23 May 2026
Line 489:		Line 489:
	\|Execute with unloaded roll; if in doubt, do not reverse		\|Execute with unloaded roll; if in doubt, do not reverse
	\|}		\|}

			== BFM V — High Aspect BFM ==
			This part is based on [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd5Qdmhmp3Y5-SDJjOzuUqV3m3mmuieTQ this] video series by [https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpsCenterByMikeSolyom The Ops Center by Mike Solyom].

			High aspect BFM occurs when neither aircraft has a positional advantage at the merge. Both aircraft are nose-to-nose and the engagement begins from a neutral position. The name comes from the fact that at the merge, both aircraft are presenting high aspect to each other.

			There are two reasons a pilot ends up in a high aspect fight. Either the bandit turns his nose toward you at the conclusion of a BVR intercept, or a BFM error led to the loss of an offensive position. The response is the same in either case.

			=== The Lead Turn ===
			The lead turn is the single most important concept in high aspect BFM. It is executed before the merge and determines the starting position of the fight.

			Rather than waiting until the bandit's 3-9 line to begin turning — which produces a neutral merge — the pilot initiates the turn early. This builds an angular advantage before the first pass. At the sustained turn rate of the F-16, every additional second of turn produces more than 10° of angular advantage that the bandit must make up. Even two seconds of early turning can produce an advantage that a bandit in the same aircraft cannot recover from.

			The lead turn cue is a rapidly increasing LOS rate from 11 to 10 o'clock for a left-side pass, or 1 to 2 o'clock for a right-side pass. This is the correct moment to turn. Turning too late leaves you behind the bandit with an energy problem. Turning too early gives the bandit a reversal picture.

			If the lead turn is started too late there is little that can be done — accept the problem and manage it. If the lead turn is started too early, ease off the G momentarily until the bandit's LOS rate resumes, then resume the pull.

			When executed correctly, the lead turn produces a '''stern conversion''' — the pilot arrives at the bandit's six o'clock within gun range without requiring further maneuvering.

			=== Turning Room ===
			Turning room is the separation between the two aircraft that is available to turn into. It can be built vertically or laterally, but not to the outside of the bandit's turn circle — floating to the outside gives the bandit more time and reduces the available turning room before the merge.

			Vertical turning room is built during the check-away turn by climbing or descending. The direction of the climb or descent affects energy state at the merge, which must be managed using the '''energy atom''':

			* Descending toward the bandit: expect to arrive approximately 100 KCAS faster than the bandit's speed. Start approximately 100 KCAS slow to compensate.
			* Climbing toward the bandit: expect to arrive approximately 100 KCAS slower. Start approximately 100 KCAS fast.
			* Co-altitude: fly at the bandit's briefed speed.

			These figures are approximate and must be adjusted based on the specific altitude differential involved.

			=== Determining Fight Geometry ===
			At the merge, the direction the bandit turns determines the geometry of the fight. '''The last aircraft to turn decides whether the engagement becomes a one-circle or two-circle fight.''' This is a deliberate choice — a pilot who executes a lead turn gives up the ability to choose the fight geometry, because the bandit turns last. The lead turn advantage is generally worth this tradeoff.

			* '''Bandit turns toward you''' → two-circle fight. Both aircraft chase each other's tails. Ground track resembles two separate circles.
			* '''Bandit turns away from you''' → one-circle fight. Both aircraft circle back toward each other for a second nose-to-nose pass. Ground track resembles a single circle.

			Identifying which geometry has been established requires only one visual check: if the bandit is nose-to-tail relative to you, it is a two-circle fight. If it is nose-to-nose, it is a one-circle fight.

			=== Losing Tally ===
			Losing visual on the bandit in a turning fight is dangerous. Two rules apply immediately:

			'''Do not fly straight and level while searching.''' Straight flight makes the defender's job trivial. Maintain the turn at all times.

			'''Search along the turn circle.''' The bandit's most likely position is in the high-probability kill zone behind and above — the high-Pk WEZ. When the area behind you is clear, scan upward along the turn circle. The bandit will be somewhere along that arc if still engaged.

Niknam3: /* Altitude Management */

2026-05-23T16:53:44Z

Altitude Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 23 May 2026
Line 369:		Line 369:
	=== Altitude Management ===		=== Altitude Management ===
	Altitude is a reserve of potential energy. Trading altitude for airspeed in a defensive turn temporarily increases available turn rate above the Ps = 0 line by lowering the lift vector below the horizon. This option is only available until the floor is reached. At that point the defender is constrained to a level sustained rate turn and loses the altitude trading option entirely.		Altitude is a reserve of potential energy. Trading altitude for airspeed in a defensive turn temporarily increases available turn rate above the Ps = 0 line by lowering the lift vector below the horizon. This option is only available until the floor is reached. At that point the defender is constrained to a level sustained rate turn and loses the altitude trading option entirely.

	The floor should be pre-briefed for all BFM training. A minimum of 10,000 ft AGL with a starting altitude of 15,000 ft AGL provides 5,000 ft of maneuvering room. As the floor approaches, cross-check frequency on altitude must increase and the gameplan must transition from altitude-trading to a level sustained rate turn. This transition should be anticipated, not reactive.

	=== Reading the Bandit's Intentions ===		=== Reading the Bandit's Intentions ===
Line 402:		Line 400:
	The tighten down achieves two simultaneous effects. First, it rotates the defender's vulnerable rear quarter away from the attacker, driving the bandit outside the weapon employment zone. Second, the sudden airspeed reduction caused by the increased G creates a high closure rate problem for the attacker, forcing him to reposition to satisfy the Rule of Threes. This repositioning produces aft LOS movement and potentially a reversal picture.		The tighten down achieves two simultaneous effects. First, it rotates the defender's vulnerable rear quarter away from the attacker, driving the bandit outside the weapon employment zone. Second, the sudden airspeed reduction caused by the increased G creates a high closure rate problem for the attacker, forcing him to reposition to satisfy the Rule of Threes. This repositioning produces aft LOS movement and potentially a reversal picture.

	The tighten down is an energy expenditure. It should be released once the immediate threat is defeated, returning to sustained rate and allowing AB to restore the energy state.		The tighten down is an energy expenditure. It should be released once the immediate threat is defeated, returning to slightly below sustained rate and allowing AB to restore the energy state.

	==== Out-of-Plane Maneuver (OOP) ====		==== Out-of-Plane Maneuver (OOP) ====

Niknam3: /* Common Errors */

2026-05-23T15:47:42Z

Common Errors

Show changes

Niknam3 at 12:34, 21 May 2026

2026-05-21T12:34:47Z

@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 |Behind the target
 |Geometry management, WVR maneuvering
 |}

Niknam3 at 12:20, 21 May 2026

2026-05-21T12:20:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 21 May 2026
Line 128:		Line 128:

	=== Angles and Definitions ===		=== Angles and Definitions ===

	~~=== Angles and Definitions ===~~
	~~DO NOT BE SCARED. MATH IS FUN~~

	[[File:Angles.webp\|frameless\|715x715px]]		[[File:Angles.webp\|frameless\|715x715px]]
Line 203:		Line 200:

	==== Slant Range (SR) ====		==== Slant Range (SR) ====
	[[File:SlantRange.webp\|thumb\|500x500px]]		[[File:SlantRange.webp\|thumb\|500x500px\|center]]
	The straight line-of-sight distance between the two aircraft in three-dimensional space. On the F-16 FCR this is the range displayed on the scope~~. Slant range is always equal to or greater than ground range.~~		The straight line-of-sight distance between the two aircraft in three-dimensional space. On the F-16 FCR this is the range displayed on the scope.

	~~=== Collision Course and Drift ===~~
	~~Collision Course (CC) is the condition where neither aircraft's relative position in space changes over time. If co-altitude, they will collide. CC is the most efficient way to reduce range.~~

	~~When the aircraft are '''not''' on Collision Course, the bandit's position on your display drifts — it moves left or right over time. This is called '''Drift''', and it has two components:~~

	* '''Turn Drift''' — caused by your own maneuvering. When you turn, the bandit's relative position shifts.
	* '''Intercept Drift''' — caused by a lack of CC. Even without maneuvering, the bandit moves across your display because the geometry is offset.

	~~Combined, these produce '''Displayed Drift''' — what you actually see on the FCR.~~

	~~Drift is your primary tool for assessing whether you are on CC or not:~~

	* No drift → you are on or near Collision Course
	* Drift left → target is passing in front of you, left side
	* Drift right → target is passing in front of you, right side

	~~On a B-Scope (F-16 FCR), drift appears as horizontal movement of the radar return over time. Monitoring drift is a habit, not a one-time check.~~

	~~When on Collision Course, the ATA is relabelled '''CATA''' (Collision Antenna Train Angle)~~.

	=== Pursuit Types ===		=== Pursuit Types ===
	[[File:Pursuit.webp\|thumb\|700x700px]]		[[File:Pursuit.webp\|thumb\|700x700px\|center]]
	The type of pursuit describes where your nose is pointing relative to the target. Pure Pursuit is the most common default for new pilots in BVR, and in most situations it is the worst choice for missile employment. When TA is significant, Pure Pursuit means your missile must turn hard to reach the target which burns energy and reducing its effective range. See [[Procedures/78th/A2A/BVR#Missile Employment and Geometry\|Missile Employment and Geometry]] below.		The type of pursuit describes where your nose is pointing relative to the target.
	{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
	!Pursuit Type		!Pursuit Type

Niknam3: /* BFM I — Energy and the EM Diagram */

2026-05-21T12:16:46Z

BFM I — Energy and the EM Diagram

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 21 May 2026
Line 124:		Line 124:
	=== Practical Application ===		=== Practical Application ===
	In the fight itself: '''treat energy like money.''' Build it, save it, and spend it only when the return is worth it. A valid shot, or surviving by denying the adversary a shot oportunity. Spending energy for no tactical gain is a losing strategy.		In the fight itself: '''treat energy like money.''' Build it, save it, and spend it only when the return is worth it. A valid shot, or surviving by denying the adversary a shot oportunity. Spending energy for no tactical gain is a losing strategy.

			== BFM II — Angles and Geometry ==

			=== Angles and Definitions ===

			=== Angles and Definitions ===
			DO NOT BE SCARED. MATH IS FUN

			[[File:Angles.webp\|frameless\|715x715px]]

			==== Antenna Train Angle (ATA) ====
			The ATA is the position of the bandit left or right of the fighter's nose on the radar display. ATA 0 means the target is dead ahead. ATA 30R means the target is 30° to the right of your nose.

			The ATA is a property of your own aircraft's orientation. It changes when '''you''' maneuver. It does not change instantaneously when the bandit maneuvers.

			On the F-16 FCR, ATA is read on the horizontal axis.

			==== Target Aspect (TA) ====
			Target Aspect, not to confuse with Aspect Angle is how the bandit appears from your perspective. Specifically, the angle from the bearing line of the fighter to the '''nose''' of the target. It describes which part of the bandit you are looking at.

			* TA 0 —you are looking at the bandit's nose (head-on)
			* TA 90 — you are looking at the bandit's side
			* TA 180 — you are looking at the bandit's tail (pure stern)

			TA is signed left or right depending on which side of the bandit you are observing.

			Unlike ATA, Target Aspect is '''entirely determined by the bandit's heading''' relative to the bearing line between you. You cannot change it instantaneously. You can only influence it over time by maneuvering to change the geometry.

			The F-16 does not display TA directly. It displays the '''Aspect Angle (AA)''', which is the supplementary angle of TA (AA = 180° − TA). A tail-aspect shot has AA 0; a head-on shot has AA 180.
			[[File:AAvsTA.webp\|thumb\|600x600px]]
			Common TA labels used in brevity:
			{\| class="wikitable"
			!TA
			!AA
			!Label
			\|-
			\|0°–30°
			\|150°–180°
			\|Hot
			\|-
			\|31°–75°
			\|105°–149°
			\|Flank
			\|-
			\|76°–110°
			\|70°–104°
			\|Beam
			\|-
			\|111°–150°
			\|30°–69°
			\|Drag
			\|-
			\|151°–180°
			\|0°–29°
			\|Cold
			\|}

			==== Cut ====
			Cut is the angle from the '''Fighter Heading (FH)''' to the '''Bandit Reciprocal (BR)'''. It describes where your nose is pointing relative to the bandit's course.

			Cut is an older concept but remains one of the most useful tools for predicting how the geometry will evolve. Three reference cases:

			* '''Cut greater than Collision Course''' — your nose is in front of the bandit. Over time, TA decreases and Lateral Separation decreases. You are closing the geometry aggressively.
			* '''Cut equal to Collision Course''' — the magic case. TA is captured: it does not change. Lateral Separation decreases. If co-altitude, you will eventually collide.
			* '''Cut less than Collision Course (Zero-Cut / Parallel)''' — your nose points at the bandit's reciprocal. TA increases over time. Lateral Separation is captured: it does not change.
			* '''Cut-Away''' — your nose points away from the bandit entirely. Both TA and Lateral Separation increase. Used to build angles or lateral room.

			==== Degrees to Go (DTG) / Heading Crossing Angle (HCA) ====
			DTG is the number of degrees the fighter needs to turn to be '''parallel''' to the bandit's flight path. It is the supplementary angle of Cut. A useful memory aid: ''Degrees to Go — where? Parallel.''

			==== Lateral Separation (LS) ====
			Lateral Separation is the perpendicular distance between the two flight paths. It determines how much maneuvering room exists for a conversion. It is approximated as:
			LS (ft) = TA × SR × 100
			Where SR is slant range in nautical miles. Lateral Separation matters most when planning a stern conversion or assessing whether a shot is geometrically viable.

			==== Direction of Passage (DOP) ====
			DOP describes the direction the bandit would cross your flight path if neither aircraft maneuvered. Called as left-to-right or right-to-left. Useful shorthand for building SA quickly.

			==== Slant Range (SR) ====
			[[File:SlantRange.webp\|thumb\|500x500px]]
			The straight line-of-sight distance between the two aircraft in three-dimensional space. On the F-16 FCR this is the range displayed on the scope. Slant range is always equal to or greater than ground range.

			=== Collision Course and Drift ===
			Collision Course (CC) is the condition where neither aircraft's relative position in space changes over time. If co-altitude, they will collide. CC is the most efficient way to reduce range.

			When the aircraft are '''not''' on Collision Course, the bandit's position on your display drifts — it moves left or right over time. This is called '''Drift''', and it has two components:

			* '''Turn Drift''' — caused by your own maneuvering. When you turn, the bandit's relative position shifts.
			* '''Intercept Drift''' — caused by a lack of CC. Even without maneuvering, the bandit moves across your display because the geometry is offset.

			Combined, these produce '''Displayed Drift''' — what you actually see on the FCR.

			Drift is your primary tool for assessing whether you are on CC or not:

			* No drift → you are on or near Collision Course
			* Drift left → target is passing in front of you, left side
			* Drift right → target is passing in front of you, right side

			On a B-Scope (F-16 FCR), drift appears as horizontal movement of the radar return over time. Monitoring drift is a habit, not a one-time check.

			When on Collision Course, the ATA is relabelled '''CATA''' (Collision Antenna Train Angle).

			=== Pursuit Types ===
			[[File:Pursuit.webp\|thumb\|700x700px]]
			The type of pursuit describes where your nose is pointing relative to the target. Pure Pursuit is the most common default for new pilots in BVR, and in most situations it is the worst choice for missile employment. When TA is significant, Pure Pursuit means your missile must turn hard to reach the target which burns energy and reducing its effective range. See [[Procedures/78th/A2A/BVR#Missile Employment and Geometry\|Missile Employment and Geometry]] below.
			{\| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
			!Pursuit Type
			!Nose Position
			!Common Use
			\|-
			\|'''Lead Pursuit'''
			\|In front of the target
			\|Collision Course, gun employment from RQ
			\|-
			\|'''Pure Pursuit'''
			\|Directly at the target
			\|Simple conversions; commonly overused by new pilots
			\|-
			\|'''Lag Pursuit'''
			\|Behind the target
			\|Geometry management, WVR maneuvering
			\|}