Back to Basics: Brevity Code – Updated

Altitude:

• ANGELS: Altitude in thousands of feet. Friendlies only.
• CHERUBS: Altitude in hundreds of feet. Friendlies only.

Radar Returns Definition:

• CONTACT(S): Individual radar return within a GROUP;
• GROUP(S): any number of CONTACT(S) within 3nm in azimuth or range of each other;
• PACKAGE: Geographically isolated collection of GROUPS outside of briefed range.

STRENGTH: numerical strength of a TRACK or GROUP.
Groups Strength Definitions:

• SINGLE: One GROUP, CONTACT, etc.
• HEAVY: A GROUP known to contain three or more CONTACTs.
• GORILLA: Large force of indeterminate numbers and formation of unknown or non-friendly aircraft.

Others:
PLAYTIME: amount of time the aircraft can remain on station, in hours plus minutes (e.g. one plus thirty → 1h30’).
SINGLE: One GROUP, CONTACT, etc.;
TRACK (Direction): GROUP or CONTACTS direction of flight or movement;

Replies:

• ROGER: radio transmission received. It does not indicate compliance or reaction;
• UNABLE: cannot comply as requested or directed;
• WILCO: will comply with received instructions.
• ZIPLIP: limit transmission to critical information only.

• SUNRISE: C2 sensors are available. Opposite of MIDNIGHT;
  DCS: Controller starting services.
• MIDNIGHT: C2 sensors unavailable due to degradation. DCS: Controller terminating services.

• HOSTILE: Contact identified as enemy, fire authorized;
• BANDIT: Contact identified as enemy, fire (usually) not authorized;
• BOGEY: Unknown identity;
  • OUTLAW: CONTACT meets point of origin criteria for ROE;
  • SPADES: Interrogated GROUP or radar contact lacks all the ATO (or equivalent) IFF or selective ID features modes and codes for the ID criteria;
• STRANGER: Unidentified traffic not participant in the action in progress;
• ^FRIENDLY: Friendly contact.
• ^NEUTRAL: positively ID object whose parameters indicate is neither supporting or opposing FRIENDLY forces.

• *PICTURE: Request for air theatre information in Bullseye format;
• STATUS (GROUP): Update about the specified GROUP in Bullseye format;
• BOGEY DOPE: Request closest or specified Group information in BRAA format;
• SNAP: Request immediate BRAA to the specified GROUP. Indicates fighter intent to intercept of join;
• CUTOFF: Request for cutoff intercept geometry.
• STERN: Request for, or directive to, intercept using STERN geometry;

Provide information (Controller):

• NEW PICTURE: used when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls and re-establishes PICTURE for all players.
• *POP-UP: GROUP that has suddenly appeared between the MELD and the threat range.
• THREAT (Direction): untargeted HOSTILE or BANDIT or BOGEY is within briefed range of a FRIENDLY aircraft.
• LEAKER(S): airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer.

*ALPHA CHECK: request for confirmation of bearing and range from aircraft to described point;

Variation of separation:

• CLOSING: separation is decreasing (positive VC);
• OPENING: separation is increasing (negative VC).

• BULLSEYE: Bearing (magnetic), Range, and Altitude form a common reference point.
• BRAA: Position of an objected relative to another (Bearing, Range, Altitude, Aspect).

• HIGH: Contact altitude over 40000ft;
• MEDIUM: Contact altitude between 10000ft and 25000ft;
• *LOW: Contact altitude lower than 5000ft.
• HIT(S): Indicates an approximated altitude (e.g. in BULLSEYE calls).

Speed:

• VERY SLOW: contact GS than 100 kts;
• SLOW: contact GS between 100kts -250 kts;
• FAST: contact GS between 600kts and 900kts / M1-M1.5;
• VERY FAST: contact GS higher than 900kts / M1.5.

Aspect:

• HOT: contact aspect stabilised at 160°-180° from the tail or 0°-20° from the nose;
• *FLANK (Direction): contact aspect is stabilised between 120°-150° from tail, or 30°-60° from the nose;
• BEAM (Direction): contact aspect stabilised within 70°-110°;
• *COLD: contact aspect stabilised between 0°-20° from the tail, or 160°-180° from the nose;
• *DRAG: contact aspect stabilised at 0°-60° from the tail, or 120°-180° from the nose.

Others:

• CONS/CONNING: aircraft is producing contrails;
• ^MARK: challenge and response term for requested aircraft to report contrails;
• *MOSQUITO: low speed and low RCS target.

• *COMMIT: aircrew intercepts the GROUP of interest or set briefed intercept geometry.
• TARGET: directive call to take responsibility for a specified GROUP.
• TARGETED: informative call that an aircrew has taken responsibility for the GROUP.
• RESET: proceed to pre-briefed position (disengaging);
• DROP(ING): the aircrew has released monitoring responsibility of a specific GROUP and it is resuming search;
• MONITOR(ING) (Group or Object): maintain(ing) sensor awareness on the specified GROUP or object. Implies the communication of tactically significant changes.

SKIP IT: Directive call for a specific platform to not engage the indicated track. Usually followed by other directions.
(Object) NO FACTOR: Object is not a threat.
ABORT: cease action or terminated attack prior to weapons release or event or mission.
*POST ATTACK (Direction, Directive): desired direction or directives after completion of intercept or engagement.

• FOX-1: semi-active radar-guided missile;
• FOX-2: IR-guided missile;
• FOX-3: active radar missile.

(2nd) FOX 1-2-3 OR (Number) SHIP: Missile launch against separate targets (assumes one missile per target). If the second prefix is used, it indicates launch of multiple missiles on the same target.
GUNS: aircraft guns being used.
^SHOOT: Directive communication to employ weapons on a contact. Does not invoke targeting.

• *SKATE: executing Launch-and-Leave tactics at prebriefed range. Modifiers can include LONG and SHORT. (CNATRA documentation: leave pre-DOR);
• SHORT SKATE: executing Launch-and-Leave tactics (CNATRA documentation: leave pre MAR/DR);
• BANZAI: executing Launch-and-Decide. The intent is manoeuvring into the visual arena.

BLOW THROUGH: directive to call to continue straight ahead at the MERGE and do not become ANCHORED with target(S).
BLOWING THROUGH: informative call, the intercepting aircraft is dropping targeting responsibility and commencing a BLOW THROUGH.
ANCHORED (Location): turning engagement at specified Location.
MERGE(D): FRIENDLIES and targets have arrived in the visual arena.

• HUSKY: active radar missile is at HPRF guidance range;
• PITBULL: active radar missile is at MPRF guidance range (DCS: AIM-54 active);
• TIMEOUT: shooter assesses valid BVR shot parameters have been met, and the missile has reached termination;
• TRASHED: FRIENDLY missile defeated.
• SPLASH(ED): Target destroyed.

• COLD: the intercept geometry will result in a roll-out behind the target;
• HOT: the intercept geometry will result in passing in front of the target.

*JUDY: The crew has control of the intercept and does not need additional guidance. The controller minimizes comms and provides SA information.

• GREEN: aircraft is in a weapon and/or fuel predetermined state that allows continuation of the mission.
• YELLOW: aircraft is at a weapon and/or fuel status that is approaching a level insufficient to continue the execution of the mission.
• RED: aircraft is at weapon and/or fuel pre-briefed state that is insufficient to continue execution of the mission.

Status enquiry:

• STATUS (Phase): request for an individual’s tactical situation;
• ^STATUS (Phase): Directive call requesting amplifying information on current task or aircraft state. E.g. respond with WORKING, VOID, CONTACT, TARGETED, LOCKED, CLEAN, FUEL (R/Y/G), WEAPON (R/Y/G) ready or plain English.

WHAT STATE: Request number of, order:

• Active: Active radar guidance missiles;
• Radar: Semi-active radar guidance missiles;
• Heat: IR guided missiles;
• Fuel: lbs of fuel or time remaining.
  Example, in response to WHAT STATE: “Blue 44 is 3-1-2 by 7 POINT 5”. Equivalent to 3xAIM-120, 1xAIM-7, 2xAIM-9, gun with ammunition, and 7,500lbs of fuel remaining. Ammunition or oxygen are reported only when specifically requested or critical.

^WEAPONS (Status): weapons employment. Fire only:

• FREE: at target not identified as FRIENDLY in accordance with current ROE;
• TIGHT: at targets positively identified as HOSTILE in accordance with current ROE;
• HOLD/SAFE: in self-defence or in response to a formal order.

Ordnance status:

• ^REMINGTON: No ordinance left except gun or selfprotect ammo.
• WINCHESTER: No ordnance left.
• SKOSH: aircraft is out or unable to employ active radar missiles.

• CLEAN: no sensor information on a GROUP of
  interest.
• FADED: sensor data lost on GROUP or CONTACT. Requires information of last known position to include number of CONTACTS and TRACK direction.
• HIT(S): Momentary radar return.
• IN THE DARK: CONTACT is in a known radar blind zone.
• JOINED: two or more radar returns have come together.
• LOCKED (GROUP label): Radar lock-on, SORT not assumed.
• LOCKED (Position): Radar lock-on, correct targeting not assumed.
• *SNAPLOCK (BRAA): Informative call indicating that the fighter has obtained radar contact inside briefed threat range with BEAM, FLANK or HOT aspect and is unable to complete sanitisation responsibilities implying ownership. Response should be BRAA.
• LOST LOCK: lost radar or IR lock.
• GIMBAL: Sensor target is approaching azimuth or elevation tracking limits.
• MELD: Drop sanitising responsibilities and gain situation awareness on the assigned GROUP.
• SORT: assignment of responsibility within a GROUP; criteria can be met visually, electronically (i.e. radar), or both.
• SORTED: sort responsibilities within a GROUP has been met.
• STROBE(S) (Bearing): radar indication(s) of noise jamming.
• HIT(S): momentary radar return(s).
• TIED: Positive radar contact with element or aircraft.
• VANISHED: special case of FADED defined as a GROUP or ARM or CONTACT with no available sensor data and is:
  • not in a known sensor blind zone (terrain masking or Doppler blind zone) AND
  • correlated to a shot by FRIENDLY forces.

Radar Warning Receiver:

• MUD (Type with direction, range in available): Ground RWR indication with no launch indication.
• NAILS (Direction): RWR indication of airborne interceptor (AI) radar in search.
• NAKED: No RWR indications.
• *SPIKE(D) (Direction): RWR indication of an AI threat in track or launch.

Eyeballs Mk I:

• *NO JOY: crew has no visual contact with the TARGET or BANDIT (opposite: TALLY);
• TALLY: sighting of a target, non-friendly aircraft or enemy position (opposite: NO JOY);
• BLIND: no visual contact with FRIENDLY aircraft, ship or ground position (opposite: VISUAL);
• VISUAL: sighting of FRIENDLY aircraft or ground position or ship (opposite: BLIND);
• PADLOCKED: aircrew cannot take eyes off an object without risking of losing TALLY or VISUAL;
• SAM (Direction): visual acquisition of a SAM in flight or a SAM launch; should include position.

Electronic Warfare:

• SPOOFER: entity employing electronic or tactical deception measures.

Others:

• YARDSTICK: use A/A tactical air navigation for ranging.

• GATE: fly as fast as possible, using reheat or maximum power;
• BUSTER: fly at maximum continuous speed (military power);
• LINER: fly at speed giving maximum cruising speed.
• CRUISE: after BUSTER or GATE, return to cruise speed.

• HOTEL FOX: High Frequency;
• VICTOR: VHF/AM;
• FOX-MIKE: VHF/FM;
• UNIFORM: UHF/AM.

PUSH (Channel: Select specified channel (DCS: frequency if no preset is available). No acknowledgement required.
BUTTON: radio channel setting;
ROLEX (± Time): timeline adjustment in minutes for the entire mission; always referenced from original preplanned mission execution time (“Plus” = later; “Minus” = earlier).
SCRAM (Direction): FRIENDLY is in immediate danger. Withdraw clear in the direction indicated for survival. No further mission support from the FRIENDLY asset is
expected.
^SCRAM (Direction): Cease the intercept and take immediate evasive action. Implies that the target is being engaged by SAMs or other air defence fighters.

• SWEET (Link Name): Equipment indicated is operating efficiently (e.g. TIMBER SWEET – confirms reception of data link information). Opposite of SOUR, cancels BENT.
• SOUR (Link Name): Potential problem with net entry; initiates pre-mission link troubleshooting (e.g. “TIMBER SOUR” – issues with LINK16). Opposite of SWEET.
• (System) BENT: system inoperative. Cancelled by SWEET.

*MUSIC: radar electronic deceptive jamming.

Combat Air Patrol:

• COLD: Initiate(ing) a turn in the CAP away from the anticipated threats;
• HOT: Initiate(ing) a turn in the CAP towards the anticipated threats.

Relative to a Threat:

• IN: Turn toward a known threat. Opposite of Out.
• OUT (Direction): Turn or turning to a cold aspect relative to a known threat;
• OFF (Direction): attack is terminated, and manoeuvring to the indicated direction.

Tactical Manoeuvres:

• SHACKLE: one weave; a single crossing of flight paths; manoeuvre to adjust or regain formation parameters;
• HOOK (Direction): Perform in-plane 180° turn.
• SLICE (L/R) or SLICEBACK (L/R): perform high-G descending turn in the stated direction, usually 180° turn

Engagement posture:

• SHOOTER: aircraft or unit designated to employ ordinance;
• COVER: establish a posture that will allow engagement of a specified track or threat if required;
• SUPPORTING: speaking unit or element is assuming a supporting role, is in a position to influence the outcome, and assumes deconfliction responsibility.

BUGOUT (Direction): separation from a particular engagement or attack or operation. No intent to re-engage or return.
HARD (L/R, Direction): High-G-force, energy sustaining turn in the indicated direction. Default 180°.
BREAK (Direction): Immediately perform a maximum performance turn in the indicated direction (usually 180°).
*CRANK (Direction): Manoeuvre in the (Direction) to illuminate the target at or near the GIMBAL limits.
CHECK (Number, L/R): Turn (number) degrees left or right and maintain new heading.
DEFENDING (Direction): aircraft defends in (Direction) from a threat.
DEFENSIVE: aircraft attacked and manoeuvring. Unable to provide mutual support or deconfliction.
*NOTCHING (Direction): aircraft is in a defensive position. Manoeuvring with reference to threat.
ENGAGED: aircraft is manoeuvring in the visual arena and relinquishes deconfliction responsibilities.
EXTEND(ING) (Direction): short-term manoeuvre to gain energy, distance or separation with the intent of reengaging.
FLASH (ING): activate system for ID purposes (e.g. reheat, flare or chaff, etc).
HOLDING HANDS: aircraft in visual formation.
*JINK: Perform unpredictable manoeuvre to negate a tracking solution.
PRESS: Requested action is approved and mutual support will be maintained, assumes VISUAL.
PUMP: A briefed manoeuvre to minimize closure on the threat or geographical boundary with the intent do reengage.
PUSHING: Departing designated point.
RESET: proceed to pre-briefed position or area of operations.
SADDLED: wingman or element has returned to briefed formation position.
SPLIT: Flight member is leaving formation to pursue a separated attack; VISUAL may not be maintained.

• *PARROT: IFF selecting ID feature transponder;
• SQUAWK (Mode, Code): Set IFF or selective ID feature as indicated or IFF or selective ID feature is operating as indicated;