VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

(5) When the unit in contact is a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft overflying the helicopter must maintain
vertical separation of at least 200 feet.
(6) When more than one unit is in contact with the same target, only one unit shall conduct
VECTACs on that target at any given time. In this case, the SAC shall designate the controlling unit. If
the controlling unit is a ship, then that ship must also be designated as the attacking ship in accordance
with Article 9262.
(7) The attacking aircraft shall be informed of all contact course and speed changes.
(8) The controlling unit may at any time after initiating a VECTAC order “Cancel VECTAC.” After
this order is given, a subsequent attack must start with the full VECTAC procedure.
b. Methods. The methods of ordering and executing VECTACs are described below.
(1) Radar VECTAC. The attacking aircraft is directed to the weapon release point by the controlling
unit. The controlling unit initiates the attack by ordering “Execute radar VECTAC.” During the run
towards the target, the controlling unit passes correcting vectors as necessary and frequent range information.
The attack is ordered by “Stand by weapons,” followed by “Drop, now, now, NOW.”
(2) Reverse Radar VECTAC. The attacking aircraft uses its radar to determine the position of
the unit in contact and, from that unit, plots the range and bearing of the sonar contact. The unit in contact
orders, “Execute reverse radar VECTAC” and the attacking aircraft will determine the optimum splash
point depending on the contacts course and speed and the type of weapon. The attacking aircraft maneuvers,
using its own navigation system, to the weapon release point for release of the weapon.
(3) Informative VECTAC. The unit in contact gives bearing, range, course, and speed of the contact
to the attacking aircraft to enable it to maneuver to the weapon release point. The controlling unit orders,
“Execute informative VECTAC,” and specifies whether the bearing origin will be the controlling
unit or a marker. The attacking aircraft plots the contact information, visually marks on top the units in
contact or marker to lock plots, and is responsible for its own navigation to the weapon release point and
for the release of the weapon at the proper time.
(4) Visual VECTAC. The unit in contact gives the attacking aircraft a course and time to fly, either
from the controlling unit or a nominated marker, to the weapon release point. The attack is ordered by,
“Execute visual VECTAC,” and the departure point and approximate attack heading are passed to the
aircraft. The attacking aircraft makes a warning call, “Stand by 1 minute,” when approximately 1 minute
away from the departure point. The controlling unit then computes the splash point for the expected attack
time and the attack heading and time to fly. When the attacking aircraft is on top of the departure point on
the attack heading, the attacking aircraft reports “On top, now, now NOW.” The controlling unit then
times the run and orders weapon release. A visual VECTAC may be employed when the controlling unit
cannot conduct a radar VECTAC and the attacking aircraft has no navigation system.
c. Types of Attack. VECTACs may be either urgent or deliberate. Since the VECTAC is considered
to be primarily a form of deliberate attack, an urgent attack, if desired, must be specifically ordered.
d. NOT RELEASABLE
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
9-42 CHANGE 2