DCS F-18 - Close Air Support (9-Line Brief)

[VBF-12 Gosling]

This thread supports the Air to Ground Weapons thread by describing the Close Air Support (CAS) coordination between a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and the aircraft using the 9-Line Brief. This is all implemented via the communications menu.

Reference: USMC Aviation Employment Considerations - Student Handout

Aircraft to JTAC Check In - Report on Station
Aircraft: __________(Controller call sign), this is _______________ (Aircraft call sign)
1. Identification/Mission Number: _________________________________
NOTE: Authentication and an appropriate response are suggested here.
The brief may be abbreviated for brevity or security (“as fragged” or “with exception”)
2. Number and Type of Aircraft: _________________________________
3. Position and Altitude: _______________________________________
4. Ordnance: ________________________________________________
5. Time on Station: ____________________________________________
6. Abort Code: _______________________________________________ (if applicable)

JTAC to Aircraft 9-Line Brief
Note: Omit data not required; do not transmit line numbers. Units of measure are standard unless otherwise specified. Denotes minimum essential information required in a limited-communication environment. Bold denotes pilot’s required read back items.

Terminal controller: ___________________, this is ______________________ (Aircraft call sign) (Terminal controller)
1. IP/BP: _________________________
2. Heading: _____________ Offset: L or R (FW ONLY)
3. Distance: _____________________
4. Target Elevation: ___________________ (in feet MSL)
5. Target Description: ____________________________________________
6. Target Location: _______________________________________________ (latitude/longitude, grid coordinates, offsets or visual)
7. Type mark: ______________________ Code: ________________ (WP/laser/IR/beacon) (actual code) Laser-to-target line: _______ degrees
8. Location of friendlies: ____________________________ Position marked by: _____________________________
9. Egress __________________________________________
Remarks (as appropriate):________________________________________________ (Final attack heading/cone, threats, hazards, weather, altitudes, requested ordnance, danger close)
Time on Target: TOT _________________ - or - Time to Target: standby ___________ plus ________... Hack


Description of 9-Line Brief Elements
The table below details the line-by-line elements of the CAS brief.

Line No.	Heading	Description
1	IP/BP	• Initial Point (IP) is the starting point for the run-in to the target 5-15nm from the target area (8-12nm optimal). • For rotary-wing aircraft, the Battle Position (BP) is where attacks on the target are commenced, normally 1-5km from target area. • This is the first reference point of the nine-line brief.
2	Heading	• Given in degrees magnetic from the IP to the target or from the center of the BP to the target • Terminal controllers give an offset (offset left/right) if a restriction exists (Fixed-wing only); the offset is the side of the IP-to-target line on which aircrews can maneuver for the attack
3	Distance	• Given from the IP/BP to the target • For fixed-wing aircraft, The distance is given in NM and should be accurate to a tenth of an NM • For attack helicopters, the distance is given in meters from the center of the BP and is accurate to the nearest 100m
4	Target elevation	Given in feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
5	Target description	• Should be specific enough for the aircrew to recognize the target. • Target should be described using the acronym STD: o S = Size (howmany?i.e.,4) o T = Type (what is it? i.e., Tank, Troops, APC) o D = Description (where is it? what is it doing? i.e., In the open, on a road) • Describe a single target and adjust to other targets after the desired effects are met. • A good description of the target assists the aircrew with correct weaponeering.
6	Target location	The terminal controller can give the target location in: • Grid coordinates (most commonly accepted method). If using grid coordinates, terminal controllers must include the 100,000-square meter grid identification (Example: TH 804677). • Latitude and longitude. • Visual description from a conspicuous reference point. • Because of the multiple coordinate systems available for use, the datum that will be used must always be specified (i.e., WGS-84).
7	Mark	• The type of mark the terminal controller will use [White phosphorous (WP), Illumination (Illum) on deck, laser, Infrared (IR) pointer, etc.]. • The mark must be distinguishable in the operational environment. • Assists in CAS accuracy. • Enhances situational awareness. • Reduces the possibility of fratricide. • An effective mark is within 300 meters of the target. • WP and other indirect marks should be on the deck 30 seconds prior to Time on Target (TOT). • Illumination on deck should land 45 seconds prior to TOT. • A backup mark should be used whenever possible, preferably a different type from the primary (i.e. primary mark – WP, backup mark – Illum on deck). • The terminal controller may “talk the aircrew onto the target” by verbally describing the target to be attacked.
8	Friendlies	• The direction and distance of friendlies from the target. • A cardinal/semi-cardinal direction from the target (North, North East, North West, South, South East, South West, East, or West). • Distance given in meters. • If the friendly position is marked, identify the type of mark. • Do not pass friendly grid locations during the 9-line.
9	Egress	The instructions the aircrews use to exit the target area. Can be given: • As a cardinal/semi-cardinal direction • By using control points The word, “Egress,” is used before delivering the egress instructions
-	Remarks	Included if applicable: • Threat and location • Hazards to aviation • Laser-to-target line (in degrees magnetic) • Ordnance delivery • Airspace control areas (ACAs) • Weather • Restrictions • Additional target information • Laser, illumination, and night vision capability • Danger close - Freindlies within 600m • Final attack heading (final attack cone headings) Note: Final attack headings are a restricted run-in and the aircraft must fly within it during the bomb run. It should be expressed as a cone, i.e., "FAH 060 - 090 degrees" and should allow the greatest latitude possible to the pilot while facilitating the FAC’s requirement to ensure the safe execution of the support. Some examples of when a final attack cone might be required are: • To aid in the visual acquisition of the aircraft by the terminal controller. • To deconflict the aircraft with the Gun Target Line (GTL). • To ensure the aircraft will not fly over or toward friendly troops during the bomb run. • When using a laser to mark the target. (The aircraft must fly a particular heading to detect the laser energy.) • To provide further safeguarding to the aircraft from surface threats.
-	Timing	TOT/TTT: The terminal controller gives aircrew a TOT or TTT. • TOT is the synchronized clock time when ordnance is expected to hit the target: o Is the timing standard for CAS missions. o When using TOT, there is no time “Hack” statement. • TTT (Rarely used with the advent of GPS). Is the time in minutes and seconds, after the time “Hack” statement is delivered, when ordnance is expected to hit the target. • The time “Hack” statement indicates the moment when all participants start the timing countdown.