Post by VBF-12 Gosling on Jul 13, 2018 8:14:11 GMT -5
Chaps
There is a short section (5 pages mostly diagrams) within the NATOPS for the F-18 worth reading:
A1-F18AC-NFM-000
Read Section 9.1 Formation (Page 365)
The parade position is established by aligning the bottom wingtip light (located about
in the middle of the missile rail) with the light on the LEX. Superimposing the two establishes a
bearing line and step down. Proper wingtip clearance is set by reference to the exhaust nozzles. When
the left and right nozzles are aligned so that there is no detectable curve to the nozzles, the reference
line is correct.
The cruise position is defined by a line from the lead pilot’s head, through the trailing edge of the
wingtip missile rail, with 10 feet of nose to tail separation. The wingmen are free to maneuver within
the 70° cone established by that bearing line on either wing. In a division formation, number 3 should
fly the bearing line, but always leave adequate room for number 2 and lead. Number 4 flies cruise about
number 3.
Engines are run up to approximately 80%, instruments checked, and
nosewheel steering low gain ensured. On signal from the leader, brakes are released, throttles are
advanced to military power minus 2% rpm. If afterburner is desired, the leader may go into mid range
burner immediately without stopping at military power. Normal takeoff techniques should be used by
the leader, with the wingman striving to match the lead aircraft attitude as well as maintain a position
in parade bearing with wingtip separation. The gear and flaps are retracted on signal. Turns into the
wingman are not to be made at altitudes less than 500 feet above ground level. When both sections
begin takeoff roll from the same point on the runway, the second section must delay takeoff roll until
10 seconds after the first section starts the takeoff roll.
There is a short section (5 pages mostly diagrams) within the NATOPS for the F-18 worth reading:
A1-F18AC-NFM-000
Read Section 9.1 Formation (Page 365)
The parade position is established by aligning the bottom wingtip light (located about
in the middle of the missile rail) with the light on the LEX. Superimposing the two establishes a
bearing line and step down. Proper wingtip clearance is set by reference to the exhaust nozzles. When
the left and right nozzles are aligned so that there is no detectable curve to the nozzles, the reference
line is correct.
The cruise position is defined by a line from the lead pilot’s head, through the trailing edge of the
wingtip missile rail, with 10 feet of nose to tail separation. The wingmen are free to maneuver within
the 70° cone established by that bearing line on either wing. In a division formation, number 3 should
fly the bearing line, but always leave adequate room for number 2 and lead. Number 4 flies cruise about
number 3.
Engines are run up to approximately 80%, instruments checked, and
nosewheel steering low gain ensured. On signal from the leader, brakes are released, throttles are
advanced to military power minus 2% rpm. If afterburner is desired, the leader may go into mid range
burner immediately without stopping at military power. Normal takeoff techniques should be used by
the leader, with the wingman striving to match the lead aircraft attitude as well as maintain a position
in parade bearing with wingtip separation. The gear and flaps are retracted on signal. Turns into the
wingman are not to be made at altitudes less than 500 feet above ground level. When both sections
begin takeoff roll from the same point on the runway, the second section must delay takeoff roll until
10 seconds after the first section starts the takeoff roll.
