"An engagement on a column of ground assault vehicles moving along a road that is not observed by the FAC"

A Type 3 control is used when the FAC requires the ability to provide clearance for multiple attacks within a single engagement, AND any or all of the below conditions are met:

• FAC is unable to visually acquire the attacking craft at weapons release
• FAC is unable to visually acquire the target
• Attacking craft is unable to acquire the mark or target prior to weapons release

Procedures

The procedures for a Type 3 control are very different from those for a Type 1 or Type 2 because the clearance given to the attacking starfighter is very different. Whereas Type 1 and Type 2 are individual engagements on point targets, Type 3 is an engagement over an area of interest, with multiple engagements or passes authorized. Of course, these engagements are subject to restrictions that the FAC communicates to the attacking craft.

Additionally, as you will see in the battlefield scenario, proper callsign usage is essential. During a Type 3 control, there will usually be three users on the net (pilot, FAC, and recon team) compared to the usual two (pilot and FAC). Thus, proper identification is essential to reduce the possibility of confusion or incorrect information being received.

Type 1 control procedures are as follows:

1. FAC receives intelligence on enemy locations
2. CAS briefing is given as defined in the previous section
3. FAC will provide a verbal description or talk-on to the mark (if applicable)
4. FAC ensures the area surrounding the target is clear and calls "CLEARED TO ENGAGE"
5. Attack craft will provide an initial point (IP) INBOUND call
6. Attack craft will call "COMMENCING ENGAGEMENT" once the target is acquired
7. Attack craft issues an ENGAGEMENT COMPLETE once the craft is off of the target

Battlefield Scenario

The commander of the 3/7th Mechanized Infantry Company is in contact with an enemy company of infantry 1.1 km to the north. A river separates friendly forces from the enemy, and the commander and his staff are confident in their situational awareness. The commander has authored the FAC to determine which type of close air support best suits the situation. A TIE/sk Striker is currently in the CAS stack and has eyes on the target area, verifying the reconnaissance team's sighting.

The attacking starfighter validates the target location by cross-checking that the position is consistent with the expected by using all appropriate means, including map plots, target designation on a digital map, head-up display symbology, forward-looking infrared targeting, and radar.

The attacking starfighter then establishes communications with the reconnaissance team and informs them that they have established an overhead position and are ready for a talk-on to the target.

At this point, the FAC will monitor the progress of the mission via radio. Depending on the conditions, the attack craft may make multiple attacks within the time window, while also complying with other restrictions. The attacks continue until time XX:55.

The pilot or aircrew will then pass the battle damage assessment to the FAC, who will relay it to his commander.

Continue to "Conclusion"