AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 235
18.16.1. VMC.
18.16.1.1. If only the Direct View Storage Tube (DVST)/plan position indicator (PPI) is
inoperative aircraft may elect to maintain position with lead‗s concurrence. The route,
drop, and recovery may be flown. NOTE: Consider using air-to-air TACAN or radar to
maintain spacing.
18.16.2. IMC.
18.16.2.1. Loss of all SKE indications will require a breakout. Use the following
procedure if an alternate plan was not briefed:
18.16.2.2. If the formation is in straight and level flight climb 500 feet, turn 30 degrees
in the safest direction from the base heading for 30 seconds, and then return to base
heading. If the formation is in a turn, roll out and climb 500 feet. Lead will contact (or
direct contact to) ATC for a separate clearance. CAUTION: Performing the above
maneuvers in a radar pattern may place an aircraft outside of protected airspace.
18.17. SKE Rejoins.
18.17.1. Set leader number as required to the formation according to lead‗s direction and
enable all formation slot numbers.
18.17.2. Set ―range‖ X 1,000 feet, switch at maximum range.
18.17.3. Approach the formation from 1,000 feet above or below the formation.
18.17.4. Establish radio contact with the formation. Confirm SKE frequency and appropriate
leader‗s slot number.
18.17.5. When the formation appears on the DVST/PPI, check that the master lost
indications have been extinguished.
18.17.6. The rejoining aircraft will identify the appropriate element leader. Upon positive
identification, lead completes an FCI check prior to the rejoin.
18.17.7. Join in position while maintaining 1,000 feet altitude separation. When stabilized in
position and the last formation aircraft is positively identified, request rejoin clearance from
lead and climb or descend to formation altitude.
18.17.8. The rejoining aircraft must be stabilized in position at formation altitude by the IP
(IMC) or by one-minute prior to the TOT (VMC) to accomplish the drop.
18.18. SKE Airdrop Procedures.
18.18.1. All aircraft will use formation lead's drift to determine SKE crosstrack. Non-
AWADS formation aircraft must ensure they use the same ballistic wind for identical SCNS
programming. AWADS formation aircraft may use their own computed wind. After level at
drop altitude, formation lead will pass back revised drift and ballistic winds if different.
18.18.2. Slowdown. The entire formation will slowdown simultaneously. Lead signals 30
seconds prior to slowdown with the SKE ―SD‖ button. Lead transmits a 5-second ―-― prep.
Lead initiates slowdown with the FCI ―E‖ and a radio call (tactical situation permitting).
After slowdown, element leads will not exceed 10 degrees of bank.