VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
(b) VL Method
i. VL Method — Station. In order to simplify AAW reporting, a standard grid origin has
been adopted. The center point of the grid (VL) is a reference point specified by the
CWC/AAWC. VL should always be defined as a geographic point (latitude and longitude).
However, a surface tacan can also be positioned at VL as a navigation aid for non-INS equipped
aircraft. If VL is defined only by a tacan, long-range CAP may have difficulties maintaining station
due to intermittent tacan reception. The grid is oriented to magnetic north with distance from
VL made by letter notation. Fifty (50) nm from VL is designated ALFA, 100 nm from VL is
BRAVO, etc. The bearing is designated by a number from 01 through 36 representing a bearing
in degrees magnetic. The bearing 010 is designated 01, 110 is 11, 260 is 26, etc. With this as a basis,
any CAP station can be readily identified by a number and a letter. For example, CAP station
010 at 250 nm from VL is designated station “ONE ECHO.” This grid reference system provides
a simple means of position both for friendly aircraft and enemy targets.
ii. VL Method — Sector. In order to provide a CAP sector, the stationing matrix is to be
used as described above. Define the left and right sector boundary with a four digit number (e.g.,
0410 means sector from 040 to 100 degrees). To define sector depth, the distance letter will be
given as outer boundary with the standard distance (50 nm) as sector depth (e.g., 3606C-VLSI-
ERRA means sector 360 to 060 degrees from VL with sector depth 100 to 150 nm). The standard
distance (50 nm) can be amended to consider typical area environmental conditions. This must
be promulgated in all relevant messages.
NOTE
Alternatively, distances may be promulgated by ACO, OPTASK AAW.
(4) Units controlling CAP aircraft are to report to the OTC or AAWC the following information on
intercepts:
(a) Immediately, when initiating an interception.
(b) Progress of interception.
(c) If, for some reason, it appears doubtful that the interception can be successfully completed
within the fighter engagement zone (FEZ).
(d) Immediately, if the interception fails.
7023 ELECTRONIC WARFARE AIRCRAFT
Electronic warfare aircraft can be either land based, carrier based, or ship based. The primary function
of these aircraft is to provide electronic warfare support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures
(ECM) support to the force, as defined in Article 5101. Coordination of the EW capabilities of these
aircraft is normally exercised by the OTC through the Electronic Warfare Coordinator (EWC).
7024 AIRCRAFT AUTHENTICATION ON AAW NETS
Excessive use of authentication with single-seat aircraft is to be avoided. Authentication is recommended
over challenge and reply methods as it can be accomplished easily and quickly. For further details, see Chapter 4.
7030 ANTIAIR WARFARE COMMUNICATIONS
Details are in Chapter 4.
7-8 CHANGE 1