F - A-26B Wasp Manual

NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL
NAVY MODEL F/A-26B 167988

AND UP AIRCRAFT
A1-F26B-NFM-002
THIS PUBLICATION SUPERSEDES A1-F26AB-NFM-001 DATED 28

AUGUST 2023 CHANGED 12 JANUARY 2025
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT C: Distribution Authorized to US government agencies and

their contractors to protect publications required for official use or
administrative purposes only, determined on August 28, 2023. Other requests for
this document shall be referred to Commanding Officer, Naval Air Technical Data
and Engineering Service Command, Naval Air Station North Island, P.O. Box
357031, Building 90 Distribution, San Diego, California 92135-7031
ISSUED BY AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS AND UNDER
THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDER NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND
NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL - NAVY MODEL F/A-26B
A1-F26B-NFM-002
COMNAVAIRFOR A1-F26B-NFM-002
N45
12 January 25
COMNAVAIRFOR MANUAL A1-F26B-NFM-002

From: Commander, Naval Air Forces
Subj: NAVAL AIR TRAINING AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

STANDARDIZATION (NATOPS) FA26 GENERAL FLIGHT AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Purpose. To issue policy and procedural guidance applicable

to a broad spectrum of users and complement individual NATOPS
manuals. This is a complete revision and should be reviewed in
its entirety.
2. Background. The NATOPS program is a positive approach toward

improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction
in the aircraft mishap rate. Standardization, based on
professional knowledge and experience, provides the basis for
development of sound operating procedures. The standardization
program is not intended to stifle individual initiative, but
rather to aid commanding officers in increasing their unit's
combat potential without reducing command prestige or
responsibility. With the objective of maintaining agile
standardization guidance, Commander, Naval Air Forces accepted
responsibility for NATOPS program management previously
contained in OPNAVINST 3710.9.
3. Reproduction. Duplication of this publication for other than

military use, without specific authority of Commander, Naval Air
Forces, is not authorized.
4. Records Management. Records created as a result of this

instruction, regardless of media or format, shall be managed per
the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Manual 5210.1.
5. Reports and Forms. Reports and forms required by this

instruction are listed in appendix L.
Page 2
A1-F26B-NFM-002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - Overview & Standard Procedures

1.1 - Overview ------------------------------------- Page 4
1.2 - Aircraft Overview ---------------------------- Page 4
1.3 - Cockpit Instruments -------------------------- Page 5
1.4 - Startup Procedure --------------------------- Page 15
1.5 - Takeoff & Landing Procedure (Runway) -------- Page 16
1.6 -Takeoff & Landing Procedure (Carrier) -------- Page 17
2 - Systems Employment
2.1 - Multi-Function Color Displays (MFCD) -------- Page 20
2.2 - Garmin-54MNAV Navigation Display ------------ Page 22
2.3 - AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod (TGP) ------ Page 23
2.4 - AN/APG-75 Radar ----------------------------- Page 25
2.5 - Wasp Active Passive Survival Suite (WAPSS) -- Page 27
2.6 - Heads Up Display (HUD) ---------------------- Page 31
2.7 - Garmin-MILSPEC Autopilot/Autothrottle ------- Page 36
2.8 - Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)--------- Page 38
3 - Weapons Employment
3.0 - General Preface ----------------------------- Page 43
3.1 - GBU-12 Laser-Guided Bomb -------------------- Page 46
3.2 - GPS-Guided Bombs ---------------------------- Page 47
3.3 - Unguided Bombs ------------------------------ Page 48
3.4 - Anti-Radiation Missiles --------------------- Page 50
3.5 - Misc. Air-to-Ground ------------------------- Page 51
3.6 - Optically Guided Air-to-Ground Missiles ----- Page 54
3.7 - AIM-120J AMRAAM ----------------------------- Page 56
3.8 - IR-Guided Air-to-Air Missiles --------------- Page 57
3.9 - M61A1 Vulcan 20mm Rotary Cannon ------------- Page 59
4 - Advanced Procedures
4.1 - Emergency Procedures ------------------------ Page 60
4.2 - Missile Evasion: Radar-Guided --------------- Page 62
4.3 - Missile Evasion: IR-Guided ------------------ Page 79
Index: Callouts ----------------------------------- Page 80
Index: Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Terminology --- Page 81
Credits & Afterwords ------------------------------ Page 82
Page 3
A1-F26B-NFM-002
1.1 - OVERVIEW
In this manual, you will find instructions to help pilot the

F/A-26B Wasp in a modern combat theater. Begin by reading the
aircraft overview, and read Cockpit Instruments to gain a
situational understanding of the cockpit’s layout. It is
mandatory to memorize the F/A-26B Wasp’s procedures.
1.2 - AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW

The F/A-26 Wasp is a carrier-based, air-superiority aircraft
that can be fitted for ground operations. Originally developed
in 2023 by McDonnell Douglas (Boeing), the original “A” model
has since been replaced by the newer “B” model, developed in
2025, which features a new radar (The AN/APG-75), a new,
exclusive version of the AIM-120 (the AIM-120J), and variable
geometry air intakes. The aircraft also features an all-in-one
situational awareness, navigation, and Datalink display (the
Garmin-54MNAV). In addition to technological updates, the “B”
model comes standard with modifications from 2024’s Pilot
Improved Morale Program (PIMP) that adds several quality-of-life
features for the pilot (See below for details). The Wasp is
fitted with 5 underbelly hardpoints and 8 wing-mounted
hardpoints for mounting munitions, totaling 13. The AN/AAQ-28
Targeting Pod can also be mounted externally without the use of
a hardpoint. Fuel capacity is 15,840 Pounds but can be expanded
to 43,560 Pounds with external fuel tanks (that take up
hardpoints) and a further 29,700 Pounds with the use of
conformal tanks attached to the sides of the air intakes.
Page 4
A1-F26B-NFM-002
1.3 - COCKPIT INSTRUMENTS
RIGHT CONSOLE:
Bottom: Comms Microphone Switch and Volume Adjustment (Picture

cropping error, will fix soon)
Middle Right: Wing Fold Switch
Middle Left: Parking Brake Switch
Top Left: Left Engine Switch With RPM Indicator Above
Top Left Bottom: Main Battery Switch
Top Middle: Right Engine Switch With RPM Indicator Above
Top Right: APU Switch With RPM Indicator Below
Top Right High: Canopy Swit
Page 5
A1-F26B-NFM-002
TOP CENTER CONSOLE:
Top Left: HUD Tint

Top Center Left: Master Caution Light
Top Center: Alt. Mode Switch
Top Center Right: Clear Waypoint Switch
Top Right: HUD Switch
Middle Left: HUD Brightness
Middle Center Left: NAV Autopilot Toggle
Middle Center: Autopilot/Autothrottle Master Disengage Switch
Middle Center Right: Heading Hold Toggle
Middle Right: Head-Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) Switch
Bottom Left: HUD Detail Knob
Bottom Upper Left: Autothrottle Toggle
Bottom Lower Left: MFD Brightness Knob
Bottom Upper Right: Altitude Hold Toggle
Bottom Lower Right: MFD Screen Swap Button
MIDDLE CENTER CONSOLE:
Page 6
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Top Left: IAS Indicator

Top Right: Altitude Indicator
Middle Left: Radar Switch
Middle Center: Artificial Horizon
Middle Right: Vertical Speed Indicator
Bottom Left: RWR Knob
Bottom Center: Horizontal Situation Indicator
Bottom Right: Altitude Hold Adjustment Knob
BOTTOM CENTER CONSOLE:
Page 7
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Left: Jettison Switch

Top Left: Jettison Arm Light
Center Left: Jettison Selector - All
Center: Jettison Selector - Empty
Center Right: Jettison Selector - Tanks
Right: Jettison Selector - None
All Selector - Jettisons all pylons. This includes external fuel

tanks.
Empty Selector - Jettisons all empty pylons. Saves weight, and
prevents clutter when switching weapons.
Tanks Selector - Jettisons all external fuel tanks, regardless
of whether they are empty or not.
None Selector - Overrides all selectors, and disarms the
jettison panel
Page 8
A1-F26B-NFM-002
TOP LEFT CONSOLE:
1. Top Left: Flaps Lever

2. Top Right: Landing Gear Lever
3. Bottom Left: Nose Wheel Launch Bar Switch
4. Bottom Right: Tailhook Switch
Page 9
A1-F26B-NFM-002
CENTER LEFT CONSOLE:
1. Top: Flight Assist Master Switch

2. Middle Left: Flight Assist Roll Switch
3. Middle: Flight Assist Yaw Switch
4. Middle Right: Flight Assist Pitch Switch
5. Bottom Left: G-Limit Switch
6. Bottom Right: Carrier Takeoff Trim Switch
Page 10
A1-F26B-NFM-002
LIGHT CONSOLE:
1. Top Left: Interior Light Switch

2. Top: Instrument Light Brightness Knob
3. Top Right: Instrument Light Switch
4. Bottom Left: Navigation Light Switch
5. Bottom: Strobe Light Switch
6. Bottom Right: Landing Light Switch
Page 11
A1-F26B-NFM-002
LEFT CONSOLE:
1. Top: Fuel Port Switch

2. Middle Left: MP3 Stream Previous Track Button
3. Middle: MP3 Stream Pause/Play Track Button
4. Middle Right: MP3 Stream Next Track Button
5. Bottom: Fuel Dump Switch
To add songs to the MP3 Stream, simply drag and drop them into
the RadioMusic folder, then press the Play Track button
inflight.
Page 12
A1-F26B-NFM-002
NOTES:
The player was included as part of the Pilot Improved Morale
Program, or ‘PIMP’, which was aimed at helping keep pilots’
morale up during long and/or stressful operations, using
suggestions made by pilots themselves. Other improvements from
the program included restructuring the flight chair for comfort,
improving the flavor of the survival kit protein bars, and the
inclusion of an IR strobe light into the ejection seat for
rescue signaling after a bailout. Recent reports that have
attributed the music player to the heightened aggression and
lessened inhibitions seen in some pilots are so far just
speculation. - PIMP project review.
Page 13
A1-F26B-NFM-002
MISC. LEFT:
1. Top Left: Master Arm Switch

2. Top Right High: HMCS Visor Toggle Button
3. Top Right Low: Night Vision Goggles Toggle Button
4. Bottom Left: Flare Countermeasures Toggle Switch
5. Bottom Right: Chaff Countermeasures Toggle Switch
Page 14
A1-F26B-NFM-002
1.4 - STARTUP PROCEDURE

1. Start BATTERY
2. Set Lights AS REQUIRED
3. Start APU and confirm RPM NOMINAL
4. Start RIGHT ENGINE and confirm RPM NOMINAL
5. Start LEFT ENGINE and confirm RPM NOMINAL
6. Start HUD and HMCS
7. Set MFCDs AS REQUIRED
8. Shut down APU
9. Check Flight Assist ON
10. Check Microphone ON
11. Check Wings DOWN
12. Check Master Arm OFF
13. Contact Tower for takeoff
Note - Nominal refers to the RPM being in the green zone of the
dial. Starting engines before the APU is fully spun up will lead
to ignition failure.
In the event of ignition failure, shut down both engines, and
confirm APU RPM NOMINAL. Once NOMINAL, repeat steps 4 and 5.
Page 15
A1-F26B-NFM-002
1.5 - TAKEOFF AND LANDING (RUNWAY)
TAKEOFF:
1. Set Flaps 1
2. Set Parking Brake ON
3. If TWR is under 0.8:
a. Advance throttle to AFTERBURNER
4. If TWR is above 0.8:
a. Advance throttle to MIL POWER (Maximum dry thrust)
5. Disengage Parking Brake
6. Rotate to 5 degrees at 180KIAS
7. Set Flaps 0
8. Set Landing Gear UP
LANDING:
1. Contact Tower For Permission to Land
2. Line Up with Runway (Note: Runway Number Indicates its
Heading in Tens of Degrees)
3. Set Flaps 2
4. Set Landing Gear DOWN
5. Slow to 200KIAS, descend to 1500 feet.
6. Slow to 175KIAS once within 3NM
7. Descend to 750ft
8. Slow to +8 degrees AoA (Angle Of Attack)
9. Descend to 250ft
10. Once Within 100ft, Flare (5 to 10 Degrees)
11. Set Throttle IDLE
12. Set Speedbrake FULL
Note: Unlike with USAF aircraft, flaring is not strictly

required, as the F/A-26B features strong landing gear
designed for high-stress carrier landings.
Page 16
A1-F26B-NFM-002
1.6 - TAKEOFF AND LANDING (CARRIER)
PREFACE:
When Landing Gear is DOWN, Hook DOWN, and Carrier Lights ON
(Final Approach), the IFLOLS is visible in your lower-left HUD.
Information is relayed via a data-link connection to the
carrier. Prioritize use of the HUD IFLOLS over the physical
IFLOLS whenever possible, especially in low visibility.
During carrier landings, aim to keep your AOA at 8 degrees.
Adjust speed accordingly.
TAKE OFF:
1. Contact Tower For Taxi To Catapult
2. Check Launch Bar DOWN
3. Check CATO Trim ON
4. Taxi To, and Attach to Catapult (USE NOSE GEAR CAMERA
FOR ASSISTANCE)
5. Set Wings DOWN
6. Set Flaps 1
7. Wait Until Shield Raised. Set Launch Bar UP.
8. Salute Catapult Shooter, Grip Right Handlebar
9. Advance throttle to Afterburner
10. After Launch, Wait 3 Seconds, Then Take Control
11. Perform Clearing Turn As Required
12. Set Flaps UP
13. Set Landing Gear UP
14. Set CATO Trim OFF
LANDING - CASE 1 (See Graphic Below):
1. At 800ft, Set Tailhook DOWN

2. Engage Speedbrake
3. Lower Landing Gear, Slow to
250KIAS.
4. Set Flaps 2
5. Descend to 600ft
6. Contact Tower For Landing
Information
Page 17
A1-F26B-NFM-002
7. Turn to Intercept Glideslope

8. Slow to AoA 8 (Adjust power accordingly)
9. At ¾ miles, LSO will call out “[CALLSIGN], Call the Ball.”
Response format - “[CALLSIGN], Ball.”
Example:
LSO - “Kilo 1-1, call the ball.”
Pilot - “Kilo 1-1, Wasp Ball”
NOTE: IF BALL NOT VISIBLE OR INSTRUCTIONS ARE REQUIRED
EARLY, RESPOND “[CALLSIGN], Clara Ball” AND LSO WILL
PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS IMMEDIATELY RATHER THAN AT ¾ MILES.
10. Follow the “Meatball” to landing: If the Light is low, so
are you. If the Light is high, so are you. Try to keep the
Ball in the Center. (BALL WILL INCREASE BRIGHTNESS WHEN
CENTRED)
11. In final stages of approach, follow LSO TO THE LETTER.
12. Maintain AoA of 8. Do NOT Flare.
13. Upon Contact, Advance Throttle to Afterburner
14. (If Wire Caught) Hold Afterburner for 4 seconds. Set
Throttle IDLE. Set Hook UP, Set Wings UP, Set Flaps 0, Taxi
to Parking Area
15. (If Wire Missed) Bolter! (SEE WAVE OFF PROCEDURES ON NEXT
PAGE.) Monitor Fuel Levels.
LSO GUIDANCE
After calling the ball, the LSO will give guidance down from ¾
miles. If Clara Ball has been called, it will begin immediately.
The commands are as follows:

● Come left - turn slightly left
● Right for lineup - turn slightly right
● Power - climb slightly, add some power to compensate
resulting loss of airspeed
● You’re too high - descend slightly, reduce power to
compensate
● Wave off! - WAVE OFF IMMEDIATELY, RE-ENTER A HOLDING
PATTERN TO THE LEFT. SEE NEXT PAGE FOR PROCEDURES
Page 18
A1-F26B-NFM-002
● Bolter! - You’ve touched the deck but missed the wires - go

around! SEE BELOW FOR PROCEDURE
WAVE OFF PROCEDURES

On Wave Off/Bolter Callout:
1. Advance Throttle to Afterburner
2. Pull up to +10 Degrees (WARNING: Maintain Safe AOA.)
3. Keep Airspeed Above 180KIAS
4. Once Airspeed 250KIAS, Power Back and Hold Airspeed
5. Turn Onto Downwind
After Procedure Complete, See Landing (CASE 1) Checklist
CASE 1 Diagram:
Page 19
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.1 - BDYNAMICS MULTI-FUNCTION COLOR

DISPLAY (MFCD)
1. Turn MFCD knob

2. Use the Buttons Located on the sides of the MFD to select
screens and options
3. The SOI (Sensor Of Interest) button will make the page
interactable with the stick thumbstick
Page 20
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4. IF THUMBSTICK CONTROL RUDDER OFF: Move the throttle

thumbstick left/right to set the left/right MFCD as SOI
5. Press Home to revert to the home screen
6. THE MFCD IS NOT A TOUCHSCREEN
MINI-MFCD (MMFCD):
1. Press Top Button to Switch On

2. Select Screen Using the Lower 2 Buttons
3. To Bring Back to Home, Restart the Mini-MFD
4. THE MINI-MFCD IS NOT A TOUCHSCREEN
Page 21
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.2 - GARMIN-54MNAV NAVIGATION DISPLAY
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Click the button on the MFCD that corresponds with NAV
2. Press the Zoom +/Zoom - buttons to zoom the display in or
out.
3. All friendly units are shown in blue on the display.
a. Ground and sea units are shown as circles with a dot
in the middle.
b. Air units are shown as a semicircle with a dot in the
middle.
c. Units assigned a callsign display the first letter of
the callsign followed by the flight and unit numbers
under the unit icon.
d. Aircraft carriers show lineup guidelines behind them.
4. Any enemy unit that has been detected by a friendly unit
and transmitted by datalink or has been inputted into the
mission computer is shown in orange.
a. Ground and sea units are shown as diamonds with a dot
in the middle.
b. Air units are shown as a triangles with a dot in the
middle.
DESCRIPTION:
The GARMIN-54MNAV is a TACAN-eqipped avionics suite designed to
aide with navigation as well as situational awareness. Made in
2022, this display incorporates one of the most advanced systems
developed by Garmin. A new and critical feature is Datalink,
through which friendly aircraft can point out targets as well as
connect directly to an E-2, E-3, and/or E-4 AWACS aircraft.
Datalink provides global IFF for all aircraft, setting new
standards in military safety.
Page 22
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.3 - AN/AAQ-28 LITENING TARGETING POD

(TGP)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Ensure the Pod is equipped on the appropriate station.
2. Navigate to the TGP page on the MFCD.
3. Press the PWR button to activate the pod.
4. Set the Pod as SOI
5. Slew the Pod with the thumbstick.
6. Zoom the Pod in/out by pressing the Zoom +/- buttons.
7. To change sensor color, press SENS. The sensor can switch
between color, Day-IR, and Night-IR
8. To send GPS Coordinates of the location targeted by the
TGP, Press The GPS-S Button.
9. To slew the pod to the currently selected GPS Coordinates,
press GPS-A.
10. To slew the pod to the currently selected waypoint, press
WPT.
11. Press HEAD to enter HEAD Mode.
a. Press HMD to toggle the HMCS see-through.
b. Depress the thumbstick to lock the Pod to the point
you are looking at and exit HEAD mode.
c. Move the thumbstick up/down to zoom in/out.
12. Press LIM to show/hide the gimbal limit visualizer.
13. Press MARK to toggle the IR marking laser.
14. To lock the gimbal on a target, slew the reticle over the
target. An IFF indicator will be shown upon successful
acquisition.
a. If a successful lock is not acquired, it may be
necessary to zoom in further.
DESCRIPTION:
The AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pod is an advanced precision
targeting system currently in use with many military aircraft.
LITENING is instrumental in the employment of many air-to-ground
weapons, being necessary for use of optically-guided and
laser-guided weapons. LITENING can also dramatically improve the
Page 23
A1-F26B-NFM-002
accuracy of GPS guided and iron bombs. LITENING must be mounted

externally to the aircraft prior to startup to function. The
targeting pod contains a high-resolution, forward-looking
infrared (FLIR) sensor that displays an infrared image of the
target to the pilot. The pod has 7 zoom levels, allowing it to
be effectively used as both a targeting and reconnaissance
system. The pod also contains a CCD camera used to obtain target
imagery in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The pod is equipped with a laser designator for precise delivery
of laser-guided munitions and an Infrared marker for targeting
coordination at night. The guidance laser is always on, but the
marking laser can be toggled on/off. A laser rangefinder
provides accurate ranging information up to 23NM. The targeting
pod is POINT and AREA stabilized, simplifying target acquisition
and weapons employment. The pod can be locked at ranges up to
23NM, however it is possible to observe with limited resolution
for an additional 5NM.
Page 24
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.4 - AN/APG-75 RADAR
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Activate The Radar by turning the RADAR knob to the ON
position.
2. Open the radar page by pressing the RADAR button on the
MFCD.
3. Set the Radar as SOI and move the thumbstick to slew the
radar cursor.
4. Contacts in blue are friendly and contacts in orange are
enemies. Targets that appear as a red circle are fired
missiles.
5. Move the target cursor over a contact. Ensure that the
cursor anchors to the contact.
6. Depress the thumbstick to select, or “Softlock” a contact.
The AN/APG-75 can select up to 4 targets at a time.
a. Softlocking a contact will drastically increase the
refresh rate of the tracked contact.
b. Softlocking contacts will decrease the scan rate of
the radar for non-softlocked contacts.
c. A softlock will not alert the tracked aircraft.
7. Depress the thumbstick again or press number 1-4 to lock a
contact.
a. Locking a contact provides constant tracking
information.
b. A lock will alert the locked contact.
8. The Bearing, Range, Altitude, and Airspeed (BRAA) of the
target is shown in the bottom right of the display. The
type of contact locked is shown above the BRAA information.
ACM BORESIGHT:
1. Press MODE to enable the BORE mode.
a. While in BORE mode, the radar search pattern is fixed
to a cone, displayed on the HUD.
2. (HMCS REQUIRED) Press HEAD to enable the H-BORE mode.
a. While in H-BORE mode, the radar search pattern is
fixed to a cone that moves with the pilot’s head,
displayed on the HMCS.
Page 25
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3. Any contact (aircraft OR missile) that enters the search

area and is detected will be immediately locked.
DESCRIPTION:
The AN/APG-75 Radar is an advanced Active Electronically Scanned
Array (AESA) radar that can select and provide post-launch
guidance information on up to 4 targets at a time. It has a
maximum range of 64 Nautical Miles and an effective launch range
of 30 Nautical Miles. It is important to note that the Locking
function does not function as a traditional Single-Target-Track
(STT) would. In addition to providing a large amount of radar
energy to the locked target, the APG-75 can also maintain track
of selected targets while in a locked state. The APG-75 was
first developed in 2024 and was not installed in the previous
iteration of the jet; the F/A-26A. Along with the new radar, a
new version of the AIM-120 AMRAAM was developed; the AIM-120-J,
to be used only in conjunction with the APG-75 system. The
APG-75 can also connect directly to the E-2, E-3, and E-4 AWACS
Systems through an advanced datalink system.
Page 26
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.5 - WASP ACTIVE PASSIVE SURVIVAL SUITE

(WAPSS)
OVERVIEW OF WAPSS SYSTEMS:
1. AN/ALR-96 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
a. Passive system (use is undetectable).
b. Radar detection, identification, lock status, and
launch status information.
c. Terminal-stage ("Pitbull") ARH missile detection.
d. Feeds data to the Anti-Radiation (ARAD) system.
2. AN/AAR-60 Enhanced Missile Approach Warning System (EMAWS)
a. Passive system (use is undetectable).
b. Missile launch detection.
c. Missile approach detection.
3. ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS)
a. Active system (use is detectable).
b. Dispension of Chaff.
c. Dispension of Flares.
2.5.1 - AN/ALR-96 RWR (RADAR WARNING RECEIVER)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Turn on the RWR by turning the RWR knob located in the
center middle console to either MUTE or ON. When on mute,
the RWR will act just like the normal RWR, just without
audio cues.
2. Select the RWR by turning on the left MMFCD and pressing
the bottom button labeled “RWR”.
3. Enemies first start with a semicircle on top, then a circle
will appear over them and a tone will play when they
acquire a lock.
4. Targets that the RWR believes to be of the greatest threat
are marked with a diamond symbol.
5. Airborne targets will have a triangle on top.
6. Missiles gone "Pitbull" that are searching for targets are
shown as a red M.
Page 27
A1-F26B-NFM-002
7. Missiles gone “Pitbull” that are guiding with a Continuous

Wave (CW) beam will show as a red circle with an M inside,
accompanied by an aggressive tone.
8. A Continuous Wave (CW) radar beam originating from a
non-missile based Radar is indicated with a change of the
source radar to red with a flashing circle, accompanied by
an aggressive tone. CW beams (that do not originate from
the missiles themselves) indicate the launch of a SARH
missile.
9. Terminology:
a. 4 - MAD-4 Radar
b. A - AAA Fire Control
Radar
c. DC - Unmanned Cruiser
d. DF - Drone Fighter
e. DS - Rotating Fire
Control Radar
f. E4 - E4 AWACS Plane
g. F - Fighter
h. F+ - Air Superiority
Fighter
i. HC - Catamaran Carrier
j. LR - NMSS Cruiser (Long Range Missiles)
k. MC - NMSS Cruiser (Medium Range Missiles)
l. SA - Self-Propelled Anti-Air Weapon (SAAW)
m. SR - SAM Radar
n. AE - AEW-50 AEW Plane
10. Listen for audio cues or look at the RWR screen for info
on targets
DESCRIPTION:
The AN/ALR-96 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) is an advanced
electronic warfare suite developed by BAE Systems in 2023. It
features the latest technology in attention-grabbing
audio-visual cues, and easy to read symbols for fast target
acquisition. With the ALR-96, situational awareness is at your
fingertips - or ears! The RWR has a nearly unlimited range in
all directions. The ALR-96 was developed as a response to the
increasing threat of Russian and Chinese fighters launching
Page 28
A1-F26B-NFM-002
missiles undetected and without warning until mere seconds to

impact. Using a variety of classified high-tech systems, the RWR
is the all-seeing eye of the sky.
2.5.2 - AN/AAR-60 EMAWS (ENHANCED MISSILE APPROACH

WARNING SYSTEM)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Missile launches detected by the EMAWS are displayed as a
yellow line on the RWR display and are accompanied by an
enunciation.
2. Incoming missiles (Both radar and IR-guided) are displayed
as two orange lines on the RWR display and are accompanied
by a tone.
DESCRIPTION:
The EMAWS system is a passive missile approach and launch
detection system developed by Lockheed Martin. The EMAWS
consists of multiple IR cameras placed around the aircraft.
Missile launches are detected at a range of 10 Nautical Miles.
Incoming missile detection ranges vary greatly from missile to
missile. IMPORTANT: The EMAWS has two blindspots, located
directly above and below the aircraft.
2.5.3 - AN/ALE-47 CMDS (COUNTERMEASURES DISPENSING

SYSTEM)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Place hand on throttle.
2. Press top circular button on controller to deploy chaff AND
flares.
3. Open the CMS page to adjust countermeasures profiles.
4. ENUNCIATORS:
a. CHAFF/FLARE - Successful dispense of a Chaff/Flare
b. CHAFF/FLARE LOW - 10 Chaff/Flares remaining
c. CHAFF/FLARE EMPTY - 0 Chaff/FLares remaining
Page 29
A1-F26B-NFM-002
DESCRIPTION:
The ALE-47 CMDS has been the standard countermeasures dispensing
system since 1998. In that time it has proved itself to be
reliable and effective. It holds 120 chaff and flares each. See
sections 4.2 and 4.3 for information on countermeasures
strategies.
Page 30
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.6 - HEADS UP DISPLAY (HUD)

SECTION OUTDATED AS OF 20/6/2020, EDITS REQUIRED
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Set HUD Switch ON (Center Upper Console)
2. Set Declutter OFF
3. HUD Tint and Brightness can be adjusted using knobs located
on the Top Center console
4. Altitude mode can be switched between Radar Altitude
(relative to the ground directly below) and Barometric
Page 31
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Altitude (relative to sea level) by pressing the ALT MODE

button on the Top Center console
QUICK REFERENCE - SYMBOLOGY:
The F/A-26B’s HUD uses various symbols to allow maximum

situational awareness while ensuring that the pilot’s vision
through the HUD remains unobstructed.
Page 32
A1-F26B-NFM-002
The following list is designed for quick reference to the above

diagram. If there are any terms you are unfamiliar with, see
below this list for a second list defining each term.
When referencing this list, Confirm HUD Declutter OFF.
Important items will be written in bold.
1. Throttle
2. IFLOLS Visualizer (ONLY VISIBLE DURING CARRIER APPROACHES)
3. AOA Readout (DEGREES)
4. G Readout
5. Mach Readout
6. Hull Integrity DEFUNCT
7. Airspeed (DEFAULT KIAS)
8. Master Arm Indicator (If Master Arm ON, this shows selected
weapon and remaining ammunition.)
9. Heading
10. Flight Path Indicator
11. Pitch Ladder
12. Velocity Vector
13. ASL/AGL Altitude
14. Vertical Speed
15. Control Input Visualiser
QUICK REFERENCE - SYMBOLOGY DEFINITIONS:

1. Indicates your current throttle setting. The line near the
top of the bar indicates MIL setting (maximum dry thrust) -
passing this line will start the afterburner. The
afterburner is discontinuous and cannot vary in its
strength.
2. Mirrors the IFLOLS on the carrier, used for vertical
positioning on approach. See the Carrier Landings section
for more information.
3. Shows the current Angle of Attack of the aircraft, in
degrees. (NOTE: It is normal for the AOA indicator to
indicate -179 to +179 degrees while landed. This is due to
tiny airspeed changes, dipping above and below 0 knots.)
4. Shows current G load on the aircraft/pilot. The aircraft
will limit the G around 9 to avoid LOC (Loss Of
Page 33
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Consciousness). See the Center-Left Console section to

disable this.
5. Shows airspeed in Mach
6. Shows hull integrity of the airframe.
7. Indicates airspeed. Will operate while on the ground, too.
8. Shows Master Arm status, and provides information on
remaining ammunition.
9. Shows heading.
10. Shows the direction of the nose. Does NOT show the
aircraft’s direction of travel - see item 12.
11. Gives a reference to the horizon, in 5-degree steps.
12. Indicates the actual direction of travel of the aircraft.
Corresponds to the aircraft’s central body/landing gear.
13. Indicates altitude, either:
a. above ground level
b. above sea level.
14. Indicates vertical speed.
15. Shows a visualization of your control inputs, in
real-time. The vertical line represents rudder, and the dot
represents aileron and elevator input.
NOTES:
This section covers all major aspects of the HUD, however, in

the shown diagram (a carrier landing) the TGP reticle, radar
symbols, and weapon reticles are not displayed. References to
these are present in other chapters.
DESCRIPTION:
Developed by Rockwell Industries, the F/A-26B’s Heads Up Display

is a marvel of modern engineering. Through a combination of
advanced optics and ultra-high-resolution displays, the HUD
delivers clarity never seen before. The pilot can clearly
distinguish HUD markings and the outside world, but the HUD’s
electrochromic tint option allows the pilot to prioritize HUD
Page 34
A1-F26B-NFM-002
symbology over visibility, making it a powerful tool to aid in

Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) dogfights. The system operates in
tandem with the HMCS, delivering extremely powerful systems to
the pilot, such as head-track for IR missiles; giving them the
edge in close-in combat.
However, the HUD serves as a crucial tool in calmer phases of
flight, too. Prior to the development of the F/A-26B HUD, pilots
often struggled with low-visibility carrier landings. An F/A-18C
pilot stated that “...when operating from the ocean, fog is
common, and fog does not mix well with bright lights. It
scatters everywhere.” To address this issue, Rockwell Industries
designed the HUD to directly operate with the Garmin 54-MNAV
display, allowing a data-link to be made with the carrier and
showing the IFLOLS in the lower-left corner of the HUD. This
simplifies the recovery process and sets new standards for
military safety.
Page 35
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.7 - GARMIN-MILSPEC AUTOPILOT/AUTOTHROTTLE
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Set HUD switch ON
2. The Autopilot has 3 modes of operation:
a. NAV - When set to
NAV, the autopilot
will fly to a
predetermined
altitude and
heading in order to
reach the selected
waypoint. Waypoints
have to be selected
through the mission
computer for NAV
mode to function.
b. ALT - When set to ALT, the autopilot will hold the
current altitude. The altitude to hold can be changed
using the APALT knob located in the middle center
console.
c. HDG - When set to HDG, the autopilot will hold the
current heading. The heading to hold can be changed
using the HDG knob located in the middle center
console. Note that the autopilot can only bank up to
10 degrees.
3. The Autothrottle has one mode of operation:
a. SPD - When set to SPD, the Autothrottle will hold the
current speed. The speed to hold can also be changed
using the SPD knob located in the middle center
console.
4. Press the desired autopilot button to enable the autopilot
in the selected mode.
a. Multiple autopilots can be selected at a time.
b. NAV and HDG are mutually exclusive.
c. ALT can be used in conjunction with NAV and HDG.
5. Release the stick.
Page 36
A1-F26B-NFM-002
6. Press the SPD button to enable the autothrottle.

7. Release the throttle.
8. Pressing OFF will disable all active
autopilots/autothrottles
9. The autopilot suite features an emergency disconnect. Apply
strong roll or pitch input to disconnect all autopilots.
Apply any throttle input to disconnect the autothrottle.
DESCRIPTION:
The Garmin-MILSPEC all-in-one autopilot/autothrottle package is
a simplified autopilot package developed by Garmin for military
aircraft in 2021. It focuses on reliability, safety, and ease of
use. The system has seen great popularity with pilots for the
latter reason. Where previous instruments needed precise
calibration, the Garmin-MILSPEC system can be adjusted on-the-go
anytime with ease.
Page 37
A1-F26B-NFM-002
2.8 - HORIZONTAL SITUATION INDICATOR (HSI)
SYMBOLOGY:
1. Distance From Waypoint Indicator: Indicates the current

distance from a selected waypoint or runway in nautical
miles
2. Current Heading Pointer: Displays the current heading
3. Autopilot Heading Pointer: Displays the selected heading
for the autopilot to follow
4. Autopilot Heading Knob: Adjusts the heading for the
autopilot to follow
5. Course Select Pointer: Displays the heading from which the
pilot wants to enter the waypoint from (more detail in the
Navigation section)
Page 38
A1-F26B-NFM-002
6. Course Deviation Bar: Displays how far off the pilot is

from intercepting the desired course (TIP: Think of this
bar as the runway relative towards you. If the bar is on
the left of the Symbolic Aircraft, then the actual runway
is to your left and vice versa.)
7. Course Select Knob: Adjusts the bearing that the pilot
wants to enter the waypoint from. However, once the pilot
is within 6-7 nautical miles of a runway, the Course Select
Pointer will automatically adjust itself to the correct
bearing and the knob will no longer adjust the course
8. TO/FROM Indicator: Indicates whether the pilot is flying
towards or away from the waypoint (is normally parallel to
the Course Select Pointer)
9. Glide Slope Pointer : Only displays when cleared to land by
ATC. Displays the glide slope that the pilot must maintain
for a safe and successful landing
10. Glide Slope Deviation Bar: Displays the pilot’s degree of
deviation from the targeted glide slope. Once the Deviation
Bar is lined up with the Glide Pointers, the pilot is on
the correct glide slope.
Basic Navigation With the HSI:
Course Select:
The Course Select Pointer allows pilots to accurately line

themselves up with a runway. For the Course Select Pointer to
activate, the pilot must set a waypoint or request a landing
from an airbase or carrier. Once the pointer appears, the pilot
may adjust the heading of the pointer using the Course Select
Knob. If the destination is the carrier or runway, the pointer
will automatically adjust itself to the exact heading of the
runway once within 6-7 nautical miles(the Glide Slope Indicator
will also appear).
The Course Select Pointer will guide the pilot to intercept
a waypoint or runway at a desired heading. A way to think about
this concept is to imagine a straight line coming out of your
Page 39
A1-F26B-NFM-002
desired waypoint. The Course Select Knob will spin the line
around the waypoint. The line represents the course that the
pilot wants to take to enter that waypoint. The Deviation Bar
represents that line relative to you. If the bar is to the right
of the Symbolic aircraft, then the desired course is to the
right of the aircraft. If the pilot is on the desired course,
the Course Deviation Bar will be lined up with the pointer.
Lining up with the runway:
1. Request landing from desired runway or carrier

2. The air traffic controller will give you 2 pieces of
information: The bearing of where the runway is from your
location and the runway number. Generally, it is not
recommended to head directly towards the runway due to the
likelihood of not being properly lined up with it. This
will result in an unstable approach and a potential crash.
The runway number indicates the heading that the runway is
facing. Runways are numbered between 00-36; multiply that
number by 10 to know the true heading. (For the carrier,
the runway number does not represent the direction of the
carrier, but the direction of the runway on the carrier,
which is angled slightly to the left.)
3. Once the ATC controller tells you the runway number, adjust
the Course Selection pointer to the heading of the runway
(e.g. If the runway number is 26, adjust the Course Pointer
to heading 260).
4. Adjust current course depending on the Course Deviation
Bar. (It is recommended to keep the current heading in
between the Deviation Bar and the Course Select Pointer to
smoothly turn into the desired course).
Key:
1. Green: Aircraft
2. Path: A Potential Path To Take To Intercept Desired Course
3. Orange: Desired Course Indicated By Pointer
4. Blue: Runway
Page 40
A1-F26B-NFM-002
GLIDE SLOPE:
The glide slope is indicated by how high or low the Glide

Slope Deviation Bar is relative to the Glide Slope Pointers.
I.E. if the deviation bar is ABOVE the Glide Slope Pointers,
then the pilot is too LOW and must either increase or maintain
their altitude to intercept the targeted glide slope. If the bar
is BELOW the Glide Slope Pointers, the pilot is too HIGH and
must decrease their altitude to acquire the correct glide slope.
Once the Glide Slope Deviation Bar and Glide Slope Pointers are
lined up, the pilot is on the Glide Slope.
Page 41
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Below Glide Slope On Glide Slope Above Glide Slope
DESCRIPTION:
The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) is a tried and

true aviation instrument used to guide pilots to waypoints and
runways. The HSI allows pilots to accurately enter waypoints
from a certain heading, approach a runway from the correct
heading, and keep a nominal glide slope on the approach when
landing. In low-visibility conditions, such as night-time or
foggy weather, the HSI is used to navigate through waypoints and
locate runways. For the F/A-26B, the HSI is pivotal for a CASE 2
and CASE 3 recovery.
Page 42
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.0 - GENERAL PREFACE

3.0.1 - WEAPONS ARMING
Before any weapons can be fired, they must be armed. This
feature is nothing new, being standard in fighters for decades.
In the F/A-26B, there are 2 ways to arm weapons.
● The first is the MASTER ARM switch. The MASTER ARM switch
is a covered switch that when switched, will arm all
equipped weapons.
● The second way is through the MFCD EQUIP page. By switching
the mark mode to ARM (upper-right MFCD) the pilot is able
to mark individual hardpoints to ARMED. This will arm only
selected hardpoints - useful if you are avoiding
Winchester.
3.0.2 - EQUIP MFCD PAGE

The F/A-26B’s EQUIP MFCD page shows all hardpoints and munitions
that may be stored on them. When a specific weapon is selected
on the MFCD page, there is the option to arm (mentioned above)
and change options for weapons (mentioned below). Examples of
options with the EQUIP page are: CCIP/CCRP for bombs, guidance
package on/off for GPS-Guided bombs, ripple for bombs/rockets,
etc.
3.0.3 - GPS MFCD PAGE

The GPS MFCD page allows for centralized upload, download,
managment, and designation of GPS Coordinates. Coordinates can
be obtained in one of three ways:
1. From the mission computer (MSN Prefix)
2. From onboard systems (TGP or NAV) (GRP Prefix)
3. From other aircraft (First 3 letters of sender's name
prefix)
The GPS page is split into two segments: the group list on the
left and the coordinate list on the right. The group list can be
navigated with the arrow buttons on the left, and the coordinate
list with the ones on the right. Group prefixes indicate their
source (see list above). New groups can be created and deleted
Page 43
A1-F26B-NFM-002
with buttons on the bottom left. Selected coordinates can be set

as a waypoint with the WPT button, and a group can be made into
a path for cruise missiles with PATH button. Currently selected
coordinates are displayed on the NAV and HUD as a large
triangle. Coordinates in a group are displayed on the NAV as
small triangles. When using GPS bombs, the bombs will guide to
the currently selected coordinates. If set to AUTO mode, the
selected coordinates will automatically cycle down in the list
after release of a bomb.
3.0.4 - DYNAMIC LAUNCH ZONE (DLZ) INDICATOR

The Dynamic Launch Zone (DLZ) indicator is used in the
employment of all missiles, air to air or air to ground (save
for the AGM-89 and -161), to show the effective launch limits of
the weapon. The DLZ resembles an elongated six (6), and it
appears directly left of the altitude tape when a suitable
missile and target has been selected. The DLZ has three elemets:
the Minimum Range Indicator (MRI), the Weapon Employment Zone
(WEZ), and the Range Indicator (RI). The MRI is a horizontal
line below the DLZ. The WEZ is the elongated six. The RI is the
arrowhead on the left of the WEZ. Follow the guide below to read
the DLZ.
● If the RI is above the WEZ, the weapon is out of range.
● If the RI is within the section of the WEZ with only one
line, the weapon is within maximum range (RMAX).
○ If the target is heading away from the launch aircraft
or turns away from the launch aircraft after the
weapon is employed, the weapon will miss.
● If the RI is within the section of the WEZ with 2 lines,
the weapon is in No-Escape Range (RNES).
○ If the weapon is employed within RNES, the weapon will
hit the target, even if it is turned around or turns
around.
● If the RI is below the WEZ and above the MRI, the weapon is
below minimum range.
● If the RI is below the WEZ and the MRI, there may be a
possible rift in time or an issue with the range computer.
Page 44
A1-F26B-NFM-002
○ If this occurs, contact the maintenance department

post-flight and note it in the debrief.
● When in doubt, if the shoot lights are illuminated and
there has been a "Shoot" enunciation, you should be in
range.
Page 45
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.1 - GBU-12 LASER-GUIDED BOMB
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Check Master Arm ON
2. Select GBU-12
3. Start TGP
4. Select target using TGP
5. Align bomb diamond inside
firing reticle (best shot
inner circle)
6. Press trigger to release
7. Call out “Pickle”
8. Ensure that laser is on
target until confirmed hit to
hold tracking
EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIES:
Due to their lower payload and agility midair, laser-guided
munitions are best suited for Close Air Support (CAS). They
perform extremely well when attacking armored vehicles, and due
to the ability to move mid-air, convoys. Laser-guided munitions
are not recommended for use against heavy, fixed targets (i.e.
Bunkers) due to their small payload.
Page 46
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.2 - GPS-GUIDED BOMBS

GPS-GUIDED BOMBS IN OPERATION WITH THE F/A-26B:
1. GBU-38 500lb bomb
2. GBU-39 250lb glide bomb
BASIC OPERATION:
2. Select weapon of choice
3. Start TGP
4. Designate target using TGP
5. Press GPS-S to send GPS coordinates of target
6. Check target is selected in GPS MFCD page
7. Align bomb diamond inside firing reticle (Best shot inner
circle)
8. Press trigger to release
GPS-Guided bombs are best suited for precision strike roles,
with the GBU-38 acting as a great bunker-buster, and the GBU-39
being able to take out long-distance targets with ease. The one
downside of GPS-guided bombs is that due to their use of fixed
coordinates, they are completely ineffective when being used
against moving targets. GPS-Guided bombs can also disable their
guidance package entirely through the EQUIP MFCD page,
essentially serving as a dual-purpose weapon and making unguided
bombs obsolete.
Page 47
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.3 - UNGUIDED BOMBS

UNGUIDED BOMBS IN OPERATION WITH THE F/A-26B:
1. Mk.82 500lb bomb
2. Mk.82AIR 500lb High-Drag bomb
3. Mk.83 1000lb bomb
4. CBU-97 Cluster bomb
BASIC OPERATION:
3. Using Constantly Calculated Release Point Automatic (CCRP
AUTO):
a. Activate TGP
b. Designate target using
TGP
c. Select “CCRP AUTO” in
the EQUIP MFCD page for
your bomb of choice
d. Line up with target
using dotted line as
guide
e. Hold trigger (Bomb will
be automatically
released)
4. Using Constantly Calculated
Impact Point (CCIP)
a. Visually acquire target
b. Climb to 5000ft above
target
c. Dive towards target
d. Press trigger to release when bomb pipper is over
target
Page 48
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Unguided bombs perform well against fixed targets like bunkers,
due to their heavier payload. They also work well as a
suppression weapon; able to be fired repeatedly to decimate a
large area of targets. If need be due to budget or other
reasons, unguided bombs can be used for the purpose that
GPS-Guided bombs fill - a precision strike weapon. However not
recommended, it is possible with the use of CCRP AUTO.
Page 49
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.4 - ANTI-RADIATION MISSILES
ANTI-RADIATION MISSILES CURRENTLY IN OPERATION WITH

THE F/A-26B:
1. AGM-126 SideARM II
2. AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM)
BASIC OPERATION:
3. Acquire target using ARAD MFCD page (Note: The ARAD works
in the same way as the RADAR, see above for operation
information)
4. Align targeting circle over target
5. Confirm target is within range (See 3.0.4)
6. Press trigger to launch
7. Call out “Magnum”
It is suggested that in all air-to-ground missions where there
is a reasonable chance of radar-guided anti-air presence, that
one or more Anti-Radiation missiles be equipped in at least one
aircraft participating in the flight. Anti-Radiation missiles
are the primary Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)
weapons, and are designed solely for that purpose.
NOTES:
“Let’s raise a drink to the poor bastards on SEAD duty, who’s
daring keeps the rest of us fighting! Here's to them!” -
Anonymous pilot at servicemen’s club.
Page 50
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.5 - MISC. A/G
HYDRA-70 ROCKET POD
PREFACE:
The HYDRA-70 has customizable launch options. Before engagement,
view the EQUIP page in the MFCD and customize the settings to
your liking.
● RIPPLE - Indicates how often rockets will be launched.
Measured in Releases Per Minute.
● SALVO - Indicates how many rockets will be fired at once.
Set to 1 as default.
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Set MASTER ARM ON
2. Confirm HYDRA-70 ARMED in
MFCD EQUIP PAGE
3. Cycle WEAPON SWITCH
BUTTON Until HYDRA-70
Visible (TOP-LEFT OF HUD)
4. (OPTIONAL) Designate
Target with TGP
5. Confirm target is within
range (See 3.0.4)
6. Press (and hold if ripple
selected) TRIGGER to
Launch
The Hydra-70 rocket pod is a must for Close Air Support (CAS)
missions; with its 10lb warhead, it can decimate any armored
targets in a 30ft area and destroy soft targets in a further
160ft. It is recommended to use the Hydra-70 in a method similar
to unguided bombs; climb to 5000ft above target, dive, and
launch while diving on to target. The Hydra-70 can also fly
Page 51
A1-F26B-NFM-002
extremely fast, with an initial acceleration of 87kts, and a

maximum speed of up to 1000kts.
NOTES:
While technically capable, the Hydra pod should never be used in
so-called ‘Full salvo’ mode to ‘blot out the sun with rockets’.
The wastefulness of this action aside, the structure of the
missile pod may rupture from the extreme stress or rockets in
flight may impact each other, causing a chain reaction directly
in front of the craft. - Engineer G. Faws
AGM-89 ANTI-SHIP CRUISE MISSILE & AGM-161 JOINT

ANTI-SURFACE STANDOFF MISSILE (JASSM)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Designate target GPS coordinates
2. Select desired weapon
3. (AGM-89 ONLY) Set one of 4 attack modes in EQUIP MFCD page:
a. Sea Skim - The missile flies extremely low, skimming
the sea.
b. Sea Skim Evasive (SSEVASIVE) - The missile flies
extremely low, swerving to evade CIWS. To use this
mode, see WEAPONS EMPLOYMENT - GENERAL PREFACE.
c. Direct - The missile flies directly to the target like
the AGM-65F
d. Popup - The missile flies in SSEVASIVE until its
terminal phase, where it pops up and dives on to its
target
4. Align target inside targeting circle
6. (AGM-89) Call out “Bruiser”
7. (AGM-161) Call out “Greyhound”
The AGM-89 and AGM-161 excel in long-range target destruction.
They are a must-use when going against a large fleet or an area
with many SAM’s. However, they are not recommended for use in
Page 52
A1-F26B-NFM-002
close ranges as they are slower and less maneuverable than other
Air-To-Ground missiles.
Page 53
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.6 - OPTICALLY GUIDED AIR-TO-GROUND

MISSILES
OPTICALLY GUIDED AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILES CURRENTLY IN

OPERATION WITH THE F/A-26B:
1. AGM-65F
2. CAGM-6 Smart Cluster Missile
BASIC OPERATION:
2. Select desired weapon
3. Start TGP
4. Select target using TGP
5. (IF TRIG UNCAGE OFF) Maneuver
aircraft towards target until
targeting circle is slewed to
TGP and tone is audible.
6. (IF TRIG UNCAGE ON) Hold
trigger. Ensure that the
targeting circle has slewed to the TGP and tone is audible.
a. If targeting circle does not slew, maneuver the
aircraft towards the target.
7. Ensure target is within range (See 3.0.4).
8. (IF TRIG UNCAGE OFF) Press trigger to launch.
9. (IF TRIG UNCAGE ON) Press weapon switch to launch.
10. Call out “Rifle”
Much like the GBU-12, Optically Guided Air-To-Ground Missiles
(AGM’s), are best suited for attacks on convoys and soft
targets. However, Optically Guided AGM’s have one major
advantage: they are fire-and-forget. This means that multiple
AGM’s can be fired at multiple targets at a time before the
first one hits, whereas the GBU-12 can only target one enemy at
a time. The CAGM-6 is especially suited for large groups of
enemies, as it separates into multiple individually guided
Page 54
A1-F26B-NFM-002
submunitions, further decreasing the time to destroy multiple

targets. Additionally, the AGM-65 can be used to destroy bunkers
in a pinch.
Page 55
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.7 - AIM-120J ADVANCED MEDIUM RANGE

AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE (AMRAAM)
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Switch Master Arm On
2. Select The AIM-120
3. Select Radar on your
MFCD
4. Check Radar On
5. Turn on SOI
6. Select Target
7. Lock Target
8. Ensure target is within
range (See 3.0.4)
9. (Optional for best
chance of hit) Align
the dot in the
Targeting Circle
10. Press trigger to launch.
11. Call out “Fox Three” To avoid confusion with other
launch warnings.
12. (Optional) Unlock target, maintaining a Softlock
(shown with circle on HUD)
13. Return to step 6 and engage up to 3 more targets
The AIM-120J AMRAAM is best suited for Beyond Visual Range (BVR)
engagements with its effective launch range of 40NM. It is not,
however, well suited for engagements of >4NM because of its
sheer size and inability to maneuver as well as an IR-Guided
missile. Its 39lb warhead is able to critically damage enemy
aircraft in one impact. Even though it is not suited for
short-range, it is recommended to carry more AMRAAMs than
IR-Guided missiles due to IR-Guided missiles being completely
ineffective at ranges exceeding 5NM. The AIM-120 HUD Reticle is
shown below.
Page 56
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.8 - IR-GUIDED AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES

PREFACE:
IR missiles have customizable launch options. Before engagement,
customize the launch options to your liking through the EQUIP
MFCD Page. For high-intensity WVR engagements, the HeadTrack
Seek Mode is suggested. Your visor must be lowered while using
HeadTrack to see the reticle, and HMCS POWER ON.
Seek Modes: Caged, Uncaged, Head-Track, Vertical Scan
IR-GUIDED AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES CURRENTLY IN OPERATION

WITH THE F/A-26B:
1. AIM-9M M-13
2. AIRS-T
BASIC OPERATION:
1. Check Master Arm ON.
2. Select weapon as required
3. Align targeting reticle with enemy aircraft
4. Wait for high-pitched tone
6. Call out “Fox Two” to avoid confusion with other launch
warnings.
IR-Guided missiles are best-suited for engagements of less than
4NM due to them not being able to detect heat signatures from
medium-long ranges. Fired IR missiles have a reliable hit-rate,
but it is not guaranteed that one hit will damage a vital
component. As such, it is recommended to bring multiple
IR-Guided missiles on a mission.
NOTES:
Although not its main purpose and not recommended, the AIRS-T is
maneuverable enough to intercept incoming missiles and thus be
used as a countermeasure. There have been multiple occasions in
Page 57
A1-F26B-NFM-002
which skilled pilots have successfully used the AIRS-T as a

countermeasure, one of which ended in complete destruction of
the airframe due to the AIRS-T and the incoming missile
colliding in close proximity to the DA.
Page 58
A1-F26B-NFM-002
3.9 - M61A1 VULCAN 20MM ROTARY CANNON

BASIC OPERATION:
2. Select the M61A1 Vulcan
3. Lock target with radar, either:
a. Automatically when in close range
b. Manually through the RADAR MFCD page
4. Ensure target is in range (the solid circle around the
pilper is NOT full)
5. Align gun pipper over target
6. Press trigger to fire (If flying with wingmen, call out
“GUNS GUNS GUNS”)
Due to its short range, the M61A1 is only suggested to be used
as a substitute to IR-Guided missiles. The Cannon can also be
used as an Air-To-Ground weapon, but this is not recommended.
Due to the M61A1’s extremely high fire rate, short bursts are
necessary to prolong ammunition lifespan. Used correctly, the
Cannon’s ammunition of 800 rounds can disable over 8 aircraft.
NOTES:
“Recommended or not, I’ve saved more than a few ground-pounders
with a well-placed burst. This baby is just as effective on
ground targets.” - Anonymous pilot
“Anyone else remember how they said dogfighting would be a thing

of the past in the late ’20s? I guess war never changes, huh?” -
Anonymous Engineer
Page 59
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4.1 - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

ENGINE FAILURE:
1. Start APU
2. Jettison ALL
3. Switch malfunctioning engine(s) OFF
4. If altitude below 5000ft AGL:
a. If road or airfield available within range:
i. Attempt to land (See landing procedures above)
b. If no road or airfield available:
i. Check master arm OFF
ii. Confirm no civilian area within 2NM
iii. Set aircraft on crash course that minimizes
airframe damage
iv. Eject
5. If altitude above 5000ft AGL:
a. Start APU immediately
b. Pitch to approximately -2.5 degrees
c. Confirm APU RPM NOMINAL
d. Switch malfunctioning engine(s) ON (Both engines can
start simultaneously, however it will drain the
battery somewhat and puts extreme strain on the APU)
e. Confirm engine(s) RPM NOMINAL (If engine(s) RPM NOT
NOMINAL, Consult BELOW 5000ft AGL Checklist.)
f. Climb to 10000ft
g. Contact nearest airbase for emergency landing
h. Land (See landing procedures above)
MISSILE IMPACT:
1. Turn cold from bandit(s)
2. Confirm both engines RPM nominal
3. (If engine(s) has/have failed) See ENGINE FAILURE section
above
4. Check pitch responsive
5. Check roll responsive
6. Check yaw responsive
Page 60
A1-F26B-NFM-002
7. (If Flt. Controls unresponsive) Attempt to land at nearest

airbase or road (See below for instructions on alternate
control methods)
8. Observe and note any visible damage on wings, fuselage,
elevators, and rudders (Use external cameras for
assistance)
9. (If low chance of complete airframe loss) Continue flight
10. (If med. to high chance of complete airframe loss)
Contact nearest tower for emergency landing
FLIGHT CONTROL FAILURE (ALTERNATE CONTROL METHODS):

1. Yaw:
a. (If split throttle available) Cut power for the engine
corresponding with the turn direction. Compensate
roll.
b. (If split throttles unavailable) Shut down the engine
corresponding with turn direction. Compensate roll
2. Roll:
a. Same as yaw, but compensate with yaw instead of pitch
3. Pitch:
a. Flight Assist Master OFF. Use power to control pitch,
utilizing airbrake and flaps for additional authority.
Maintain high airspeed. Do not attempt a landing. This
is unsafe without pitch control. Instead, guide the
aircraft to a safe ditching location. Once the
airframe is on a safe trajectory away from civilian
population, eject.
Page 61
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4.2 - MISSILE EVASION: RADAR-GUIDED

OVERVIEW
In a modern combat theatre, radar-guided missiles pose the most

serious threat to F/A-26B pilots. F/A-26B units also find
themselves more susceptible to radar-guided threats than other
USN air combat units due to their mission role and amplified
radar cross-section. Because of this, there is no single tactic
that can be followed to successfully evade radar-guided
missiles. This does not imply that evasion is impossible. A Wasp
driver that properly assesses a given situation and combines the
right strategies can greatly increase their chance of defeating
radar-guided threats.
This section will be broken up into two parts: First, we will

discuss the principles of radar-guided missiles and their
relationship to other weapons systems and aircraft. Second, we
will explore strategies that can be deployed to defeat
radar-guided missiles in various scenarios.
PRINCIPLES:
QUALITIES OF A RADAR-GUIDED MISSILE
A radar-guided missile tracks its target by identifying the

reflection of radio and microwave waves reflecting from the
target’s surfaces. The source of these radar waves can be an
aircraft, ground radar system, or the missile’s internal radar
projector. This method allows radar-guided missiles to track
targets at much longer ranges than IR systems and thus achieve
greater speeds. It is the speed and integrity of radar tracking
technology that make radar-guided missiles so deadly.
AIR LAUNCHED
Most modern Air-to-Air radar-guided missiles are “Active”,

meaning their internal radar projectors are powerful enough to
illuminate their target at medium range, however, this ability
Page 62
A1-F26B-NFM-002
degrades at longer distances. Radar guided air-launched missiles

will typically rely on aircraft-based radar to track and relay
target information until the last few miles. This method has the
added benefit of not alerting the targeted aircraft of the
position of the missile via RWR. Even if line of sight with the
launcher radar projector is broken, an active radar homing (ARH)
guided missile is still a threat.
The improvement of stealth and jamming technology in the first

quarter of the 21st century has reduced the range at which a
weapons-grade track can be acquired. This has reduced the viable
shoot range to around 25-35NM as opposed to the 50-60NM of their
original design. Although this does allow better defensive
posture and a higher evasion rate, it has the unintended
consequence of increasing the number of missiles that reach
their target before exhausting fuel. A defending pilot will
still need to focus on wasting the missile’s energy early on but
may find themselves facing a powered missile after only a short
period of mid-course defensive tactics.
SAM RADAR-GUIDED MISSILES
Radar guided missiles launched from a surface installation

require lock-on by ground control radar for a significant
portion of the missile’s flight. This means that destroying or
breaking line-of-sight with the fire control radar can disable a
SAM’s ability to track an aircraft even after the missile has
traveled a significant distance. More advanced SAMs have
improved ARH capabilities and may remain threatening even after
destruction or line-of-sight loss with control radar at range.
RADAR VS. IR-GUIDED MISSILES
Radar Guided missile systems rely on range, speed, and tracking

to kill their target. As such, the missile itself tends to be
heavier, faster, and less maneuverable. Let’s break down these
missile types and their qualities.
Page 63
A1-F26B-NFM-002
IR Guided Radar Guided
Speed Low High
Acceleration High Medium
Maneuverability High Low
Range Short Medium/High
CM resilience Poor Good/Very Good
ENERGY
Properly deciding the correct course of action when threatened

by a radar missile requires an understanding of the energy
relationship between it and your aircraft. Many of the
strategies in the next section take advantage of the differences
in energy usage that exist between an aircraft and the missile
threatening it.
Although a Radar guided missile can achieve much greater speeds

than an aircraft, it is less able to maneuver in short order. As
distance closes, the degrees of its required lead increases. If
fired at long range (+20NM) missiles may run out of fuel before
impacting targets. This energy is used to accelerate the
missile, fight air resistance, and change its velocity vector
(maneuvering). Once fuel is depleted, a missile will begin to
lose velocity until it reaches its target or begins to fall.
Thicker air and frequent maneuvering speed up this process and
can quickly reduce the distance a missile can fly at a
threatening speed.
Page 64
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Aircraft, on the other hand, have a relatively unlimited amount

of potential energy stored as fuel. Although unable to
accelerate like or reach the speeds of a missile, an aircraft
can continuously expend energy through maneuvering and pushing
through air. In addition, the wide surface of the F/A-26B allows
for the rapid exchange of forward velocity to angular velocity
(trading speed for turning).
All this can be broken down into the following statement:

Aircraft have high Delta-V (potential change in velocity) but
low impulse (thrust), whereas missiles have low Delta-V but high
impulse. Many strategies for defeating radar-guided missiles
rely heavily on the exploitation of this relationship.
CHAFF
Chaff is a countermeasure deployed by a defending pilot in order

to disrupt a missile. The F/A-26B uses a JAFFing technique where
radar signals are beamed against the dropped chaff in such a way
that even doppler-effect missiles can be fooled if at a lesser
extent.
Chaff is far less effective against radar missiles than flares

are against IR missiles, but this should not discount its
usage. Chaff is used to inhibit a radar’s ability to
accurately track a target.
Chaff is only effective with minimal relative velocity to the

dispersed chaff, relative to the radar source (generally a
beam.) If anything, remember these 4 points on chaff:
1. Missiles will attempt to search for the target again after

chaff has faded away.
2. Deploying chaff is ineffective unless the radar has a lock

(TWS or STT.)
3. Chaff is more situational than flares.
Page 65
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4. Even if deploying chaff doesn’t break lock, it can greatly

reduce the missile’s accuracy in the terminal phase.
MANEUVERS:
OVERVIEW
Unlike other topics in this manual, Radar missile evasion does

not have a single sequence of steps which ensure success.
Instead, radar missile evasion relies on various maneuvers that
can be made simultaneously and/or sequentially to maximize
chances of survival in any given scenario.
This section will go over these maneuvers, how they work, and
when to employ them. This will be followed by example scenarios
that showcase how these maneuvers can be used together to
achieve evasion.
We will refer to the aircraft defending against the radar

missile as the “DA” (defending aircraft) for brevity.
Page 66
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4.2.1 - TERRAIN MASKING
WHAT: Terrain Masking is the most reliable maneuver that can be

used to break a radar missile lock. In this maneuver, the DA
simply uses ground obstacles to break line-of-sight with the
radar source. This radar source can be the ground control
radar, hostile aircraft radar, or the missile itself.
WHEN: This maneuver should only be considered when flying low

over variable terrain or urban areas. This maneuver is
ineffective: at sea, when the radar source is a high-flying
aircraft, or when the DA needs to engage hostile air targets
with AMRAAMs. This maneuver can be used at any time before or
Page 67
A1-F26B-NFM-002
after a missile is launched, however it is most effective early

on.
HOW:
1. Identify radar source using RWR or ARAD (HMCS most effective).
2. Maneuver in such a way that terrain or obstacles break radar

source’s line-of-sight with DA. If flying over mountainous
terrain, roll inverted and pull rather than pushing down.
3. Ensure warning tone has gone silent before emerging.
4. IF warning tone continues, identify incoming missile and mask

that.
4.2.2 - BEAMING
WHAT: Beaming is a maneuver that decreases the kinetic energy

of a long-range radar guided missile by forcing it to turn and
lead its target. Beaming can be done by leading a missile to the
side in one single direction, or by switching flight direction
after a few seconds. It is important to note that beaming will
not break a missile’s lock or prevent it from reaching the DA.
It will simply drain the missile’s energy, making it easier to
evade in later maneuvers. Additionally, the optimal start time
for a beam is immediately at launch. It is suggested that a beam
maneuver be started upon suspected hostile launch or after DA
deployment of ordinance. Zig-Zag beaming is only admissible if a
missile launch has occurred from beyond 15NM.
WHEN: Beaming is a good, simple tactic that should be employed

early on when terrain masking is not an option. Straight line
beaming is also highly effective when defending against radar
missiles launched at relatively close range (<15NM) as they have
not obtained enough velocity to overcome their lack of
maneuverability
Page 68
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Beaming can be used in conjunction with most other maneuvers

in this guide and should always be used to some extent when the
DA is still engaging forward. Likewise, the Beaming maneuver is
highly effective when used with other tactics such as dragging
and going cold.
HOW:
1. Identify the bearing of the missile visually by its smoke

trail, or RWR/ARAD information
2. Turn at an angle roughly perpendicular to the missile, try not

to close distance with the missile too rapidly.
3. Use full afterburner and continue in this direction for a few

seconds. The farther the missile is from you, the longer you
should stay in this direction.
4. (OPTIONAL, if missile is at range) Make a fast high-G turn in

the opposite direction and repeat at increasing frequency
essentially zig-zagging.
5. Choose a Terminal strategy once the missile goes pitbull
4.2.3 - DRIVING
WHAT: Driving is forcing a missile to hit the ground as it tries

to lead its target. This is not confirmed to be effective
against all missiles in all states, however it is highly
effective against SAMS and other missiles prior to the Pitbull
phase.
WHEN: Driving should only be used right after the launch of a

radar guided missile, and preferably if that missile is a SAM.
It is also most effective if the DA is at a high velocity, at an
altitude of around 1k-5k feet over terrain. It is a good idea to
drive in a way that leads directly into a notch, cold, or
Page 69
A1-F26B-NFM-002
terrain mask in case of failure. If multiple SAMs are launched

in proximity to each other (i.e. from a cruiser fleet), driving
should be employed FIRST as it can neutralize all missiles in
short order without the need for terrain variation.
1. Identify missile is in visual range and launched
2. Split-S
3. Dive straight down.
4. Level out just above water/terrain, stay as close to terrain

as possible.
5. If missile fails to impact, begin follow-up maneuver and

prepare for terminal evasion.
4.2.4 - DOPPLER NOTCHING
WHAT: Doppler Notching is a precise maneuver that, if done

successfully, can completely break lock from an incoming
missile. Doppler notching takes advantage of a radar missile’s
tracking system in a way that makes the DA “blend” into the
terrain. Radar guided missiles distinguish their targets from
the terrain below them by looking at the doppler shift of the
reflection. If a DA is flying below, and perfectly perpendicular
to the radar sensor, the missile or sensor will be unable to
distinguish it from the passing terrain.
WHEN: Notching can ONLY be used when the missile is

significantly above the target. This means it is a good strategy
to be used with some slight dragging. It is also good to use
with beaming, as notching obligates beaming (unless you are a
VTOL). The effectiveness of this maneuver varies based on
distance (farther = better), quality of the radar missile, and
the source of the radar signals. Notching can only be effective
against one missile at a time unless multiple are fired from the
Page 70
A1-F26B-NFM-002
same source. It is good practice to not solely rely on notching

when trying to evade.
HOW:
1. Identify radar source
2. Fly below radar source if not already
3. Turn so that the radar source is to your 3 or 9 o’clock.
4. Fly so that source stays in 3-9 o’clock. (use full afterburner

to beam better)
If missile lock is not lost after a few seconds:
1. Identify missile
2. Turn so that missile is at your 3 or 9 o’clock.
If missile lock is not lost after a few seconds, abandon the

notch attempt and employ other defensive tactics.
4.2.5 - GOING COLD
WHAT: Going cold, the cold-defense, or “running away” all refer

to the somewhat useful strategy intended to extend the distance
a radar guided missile must travel to reach you. When going
cold, the DA attempts to put as much distance between
him/herself and the missile as quickly as possible. Unlike IR
missiles, radar guided weapons are more concerned with
personality and thus do not care how hot an aircraft’s ass is,
therefore it is strongly advised to use full afterburner during
this maneuver. Cold is also a good Terminal Strategy for
missiles that are low on energy (going slow).
WHEN: The cold defense should only be used when a missile has
just been launched from long range and the source is not
closing. Using the cold defense against air superiority fighters
or interceptors is not advised, as it can make re-engagement
Page 71
A1-F26B-NFM-002
extremely dangerous. Additionally, the cold defense disengages

the DA from the fight, meaning at some point they will have to
re-engage. Re-engagement after a cold maneuver should only be
done outside of range or line-of-sight of the threat.
HOW:
1. Identify missile
2. Turn around
a. (Optional) & Drag
3. Go fast
a. (Optional) & Weave slightly/ “gently beam”
b. (Optional) & Terrain Mask
If missile goes Pitbull
1. Dump chaff
2. Jink and barrel-roll when missile is <1 NM while dumping chaff
Page 72
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4.2.6 - DRAGGING
WHAT: Dragging is a defensive strategy that exploits the energy

relationship between missiles and aircraft. Light, fast, low
delta-v missiles struggle to maintain energy in the thick
atmosphere at low elevation. By forcing a missile to spend more
time at lower elevations, a DA can reduce its energy and defeat
it more easily. Dragging is not always the best strategy,
especially if the DA intends to push bandits or avoid a
chase/dogfight.
WHEN: Dragging is most effective at long ranges and the missile

is launched from a high altitude, and the DA plans to go cold.
Dragging should not be used as a lone defense and should be used
alongside beaming or cold defense maneuvers. Attempting to drag
while heading toward the missile will not produce effective
results. Additionally, dragging is best used after the DA has
launched AMRAAMs and has tracked them to the target near or past
their automatic pitbull point.
HOW:
1. Confirm missile or source is high using HUD ARAD
2. Perform split-s and level out as low as possible
3. Go cold or beam/notch with full afterburner
4. Stay low while performing the maneuver chosen in step 3.
4.2.7 - HIGH-G MANEUVERING
WHAT: At the terminal phase of a radar missile, the DA needs to

begin to exploit the radar missile’s low maneuverability and
potentially low energy. High-G maneuvers of some level are
almost always required if a radar missile lock is not broken
through terrain masking, driving, notching, or chaff deployment.
In this strategy, the pilot will quickly burn and jink, almost
like beaming, but in all 3 dimensions and switching more
Page 73
A1-F26B-NFM-002
frequently. The best High-G position for a DA is above the

missile and flying at its 2 or 10 o’clock. A DA should be
careful of prolonged vertical maneuvers as this greatly
increases a missile's impulse advantage. Having good situational
awareness helps increase the odds of a missile defeat.
WHEN: Once a missile goes pitbull, the DA’s pilot is advised to

squeeze their cheeks. This is not in anticipation for a missile
hit but rather to keep from passing out in the 9-G turns he/she
is about to make. High-G maneuvers are most effective when the
DA is relatively nose-hot to the missile and is using HMD ARAD
tracking.
High-G maneuvers should NOT be used if the missile is not both

Pitbull, and within 2NM of the DA. This maneuver will greatly
reduce the aircraft’s forward velocity which is important for
both beaming and cold defenses.
HOW:
1. Identify incoming missile using HMD ARAD
2. Confirm Missile is Pitbull (missile alert flash, red “M”

circle on RWR)
3. Confirm Missile is close (can visualize lateral motion on HMD

ARAD or close in RWR)
4. Make rapid rolls to align with turn vectors to insure positive

G.
Page 74
A1-F26B-NFM-002
5. Swerve at 6-9 G’s with each turn lasting between 2 and 5

seconds
Page 75
A1-F26B-NFM-002
6. Once visual on the missile’s engine/body can be made, perform

the following maneuvers.
a. If missile is below, climb slightly and place

missile at 2-3 or 9-10 o’clock, invert to level off
just as missile passes above or below
b. If missile is above, dive sharply into a beam or

head-on. Barrel-roll if possible
c. If neither option is immediately applicable, beam

hard and do a corck-screw barrel-roll or Immelmann
7. Utilize Barrel rolls and Split-S maneuvers.
8. Do not repeatedly make turns that reduce airspeed.
9. Avoid missile as it passes
If you hear an explosion after missile merge
1. Confirm no other missile threats are present
2. Check Engine RPM
3. Visually assess control surfaces for damage
See Page 50 for emergency checklist.
COUNTER-ENGAGEMENT
WHAT: IR guided missiles such as the IRIS, and to a lesser

extent AIM-9, can lock, seek, and destroy large SAM’s that have
not burnt out their fuel. By flying toward the missile in a
predictive manner, a DA can shoot down an incoming SAM with
their own IR guided ordinance. Counter-engaging a missile is a
Page 76
A1-F26B-NFM-002
somewhat risky strategy but can be very effective when

performing SEAD missions.
Page 77
A1-F26B-NFM-002
WHEN: Counter-Engaging should only be attempted against SAMs,

and preferably larger models that burn fuel for a much longer.
This method is highly effective when the DA’s mission involves
destruction of the launch source and is at a relatively high
altitude (SAM has less velocity having had to climb). This is
also good when multiple SAM’s are launched at the DA, as IR
missiles can quickly be launched in succession.
HOW:
1. Identify SAM direction
2. Fly level and straight, do not beam or deviate.
3. Make sure the SAM is nose-hot between your 11 and 1 o’clock.
4. Use HMCS slaved IR and visually acquire SAM.
5. Launch IR missile once high tone is acquired
6. Turn toward SAM if possible.
7. Avoid debris after IR missile destroys SAM.
Page 78
A1-F26B-NFM-002
4.3 - MISSILE EVASION: IR-GUIDED

OPERATION OF IR-GUIDED MISSILES:
IR-Guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, commonly
referred to as “heat seekers,” acquire their targets by locking
on to the infrared radiation (heat) of the target aircraft,
usually the engine(s). Due to this, they have a relatively short
range. Most, if not all, IR-guided missiles are all-aspect,
meaning that they can acquire a lock from all aspects of a
plane, not just the rear, where the engine(s) are located. If
there are multiple targets in a close area, the missile will
lock on the strongest (warmest). This means that they can be
easily evaded by idling the engine(s) and dumping flares. The
missile will lock on to the stronger heat signature of the
flares and strike them instead of the aircraft.
EVASION:
1. Set throttle to IDLE
2. Turn to the 9 o’clock or 3 o’clock of the missile (if
possible)
3. Dive or climb depending on current airspeed
4. Dump flares
NOTES:
“Be careful if using CM’s while in formation. Nothing quite
screws with your sightlines like a wingman covering your canopy
with chaff.” - Anonymous pilot
Page 79
A1-F26B-NFM-002
INDEX: CALLOUTS
● (Package/target) As Fragged: Package/target is as stated in
mission briefing
● (Target) Cold: Target is heading away
● (Target) Flanking: Target has a stable aspect of 30-60
degrees (Heading perpendicular)
● (Target) High: Target is between 10000ft and 40000ft ASL
● (Target) Hot: Target is heading towards
● (Target) Low: Target is below 10000ft ASL
● (Target) Very High: Target is above 40000ft ASL
● Bingo Fuel: Minimum fuelstate needed to return to base has
been reached
● Bruiser: Launch of Anti-Ship Missile (ASM)
● Engaged Defensive: Defending against an enemy missile
● Engaged: In a fight with an enemy
● Faded: Target radar lock has been lost
● Fox 1: Launch of semi-active radar-homing (SARH) air-to-air
missile (AAM)
● Fox 2: Launch of IR-Guided AAM
● Fox 3: Launch of active radar-homing (ARH) AAM
● Greyhound: Launch of cruise missile
● Guns, Guns, Guns: Cannon is being used
● Magnum: Launch of anti-radiation missile
● Merged: In a dogfight with an enemy
● Mudspike: Enemy ground target has radar lock
● Nails: Detection of enemy search radars on RWR
● No Joy: No visual/radar lock. Opposite of tally.
● Pickle: Release of bomb
● Pitbull: Active radar-guided AAM has switched to internal
tracking
● Rifle: Launch of air-to-ground missile (AGM)
● Shack: Enemy ground target destruction
● Spike: Enemy Aircraft Has Radar lock
● Splash: Enemy air target destruction
● Tally: Detection of enemy on radar
● Winchester: Weapons load depleted or otherwise empty
Page 80
A1-F26B-NFM-002
INDEX: ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, AND

TERMINOLOGY
● AAA: Anti-aircraft-artillery
● AAM: Air-to-air missile
● AGM: Air-to-ground missile
● AMRAAM: Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
● Angels: Altitude in thousands of feet
● ASM: Anti-Ship Missile
● ATC: Air Traffic Control
● AWACS (also referred to as AEW&C): Airborne Warning and
Control System (Airborne Early Warning & Control)
● Ball/Meatball: IFLOLS (Improved Fresnel Lens Optical
Landing System)
● Bandit: Enemy air target
● Bird: Friendly SAM
● Blue on Blue: Friendly Fire
● Bogey: Unidentified air target
● BRA(A): Bearing, range, altitude (aspect)
● BVR: Beyond Visual Range
● C2: Command and Control
● CAP: Combat Air Patrol
● CAS: Close air support
● Cat: Aircraft carrier catapult
● Chick: Friendly Aircraft
● ECM: Electronic Countermeasures
● Flight Level (rarely used): Altitude in hundreds of feet
● G-LOC: Loss of consciousness due to G-forces. Applies to
both blackout and redout.
● HUD: Heads-up display
● IFF: Identification - Friend or foe
● Mother/Mom: Home aircraft carrier
● Nav: Navigation
● Overlord: Nearest or otherwise on station AWACS aircraft
● Package: Group of targets
● RTB: Return To Base
● RWR: Radar warning receiver
● SAM: Surface-to-air missile
Page 81
A1-F26B-NFM-002
● SCUD: Theater (non-intercontinental) ballistic missile

● SEAD: Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
● Shooter:
○ Aircraft launching/releasing munitions
○ Crew member controlling aircraft carrier catapult
● TACAN: TACtical Air Navigation. Used to automatically set
WPT to RTB.
● TWR: Thrust to Weight Ratio
● U(C)AV: Unmanned (Combat) Aerial Vehicle
● Yardstick: The use of TACAN for rangefinding
END OF TECHNICAL MANUAL

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS & AFTERWORDS BELOW
Credits, Afterwords, and Disclaimer
This manual was made possible by:
● Freedomplaza - Lead writer/Owner
● Quantify - Editor and Writer (Mid-Late)
● Desert Jackal - Writer (Early)
● Nebriv - Modder
● Chieh (Shamebird) - Missile Evasion Section
● CrushFruits - Visuals
● TheFalcon - Visuals (Hand Drawn)
● C-137 - HSI Section
● Dr White - Notes
● Illumi - Visuals
Page 82
A1-F26B-NFM-002
Afterwords
Freedomplaza:
The writing of this manual has been an amazing experience and,
(in my opinion) has greatly improved my own writing skill. I,
along with the rest of the team, truly hope that you find this
manual helpful, and, if this is your introduction to VTOL VR, go
on to enjoy and play the game. I cannot understate how much all
of the members of the team have helped me with this, some of us
even went from random strangers on the internet to friends!
Also, a huge thanks to BahamutoD for making VTOL VR such a great
game, without you, literally none of this would’ve been
possible. Again, thanks to all of the other people working on
this with me and BahamutoD. Thanks for reading this far :)!
Quantify:
Wowee. Didn’t expect this to become such an incredible project.
Working on this manual with the team has been an awesome
experience. I’ve learnt a lot more about the Wasp in doing so,
and knowing that new players will benefit from this manual;
well, it’s fulfilling to say the least. Ultimately, I worked on
this with one goal in mind;
...that the readers of this manual, new or old, fall in love
with the game itself. I know I certainly have!
A lot of work has been put into this. Both by myself and
Freedomplaza, not to mention the rest of the team, Crushfruits
and TheFalcon for making visuals for the manual, and Nebriv for
creating a telemetry mod to allow us to further understand the
Wasp’s flight mechanics, and many others, and they did it all
out of their own heart, because they loved this project and
wanted to contribute.
And to everyone else, BahamutoD for creating a wonderful game
from the ground up, the community for providing helpful advice,
and you, the reader, for providing your time in reading this
manual, trudging your way through 82 long, detailed pages,
thanks!
Page 83
A1-F26B-NFM-002
DISCLAIMER
The F/A-26B NATOPS Manual is in no way officially endorsed by
the United States Navy, nor its NATOPS program, and is a work of
fiction. The specified systems in this manual are based on
non-copyrighted real systems, however the companies are not,
therefore this manual is under Creative Commons. This manual is
completely independent and in no way sponsored by Garmin, BAE
Industries, Rockwell Dynamics, or any other specified companies.
The F/A-26B is part of the flight simulator VTOL VR, developed
by Paolo Encarnacion of Boundless Dynamics PLC.
The F/A-26B and VTOL VR are the intellectual property of
BahamutoD, Paolo Encarcion, and as such this manual is a
completely open-source project under Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). You are
free to build upon the document and submit changes to
Freedomplaza#4507 on Discord for approval. You MUST credit
Quantify and Freedomplaza when distributing sections under CC
BY-SA 4.0. This manual is furthermore solely to be used in VTOL
VR for your own recreational purposes. Use of procedures
outlined in this manual, such as CASE 1 landing procedures and
landing technique for real-life flying is completely prohibited
and unsafe.
This Disclaimer was last updated on 7/10/2020.
Finished: 12/2/2020
Nah lmaoo then baha decided to release several game-changing
updates and I'm still here on 7/30/22 :(
Page 84
A1-F26B-NFM-002
PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY

BLANK
Page 85

F - A-26B Wasp Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

F - A-26B Wasp Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL

NAVY MODEL F/A-26B 167988

THIS PUBLICATION SUPERSEDES A1-F26AB-NFM-001 DATED 28

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT C: Distribution Authorized to US government agencies and

COMNAVAIRFOR MANUAL A1-F26B-NFM-002

Subj: NAVAL AIR TRAINING AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. Purpose. To issue policy and procedural guidance applicable

2. Background. The NATOPS program is a positive approach toward

3. Reproduction. Duplication of this publication for other than

4. Records Management. Records created as a result of this

5. Reports and Forms. Reports and forms required by this

1 - Overview & Standard Procedures

In this manual, you will find instructions to help pilot the

1.2 - AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW

1.3 - COCKPIT INSTRUMENTS

Bottom: Comms Microphone Switch and Volume Adjustment (Picture

TOP CENTER CONSOLE:

Top Left: HUD Tint

MIDDLE CENTER CONSOLE:

Top Left: IAS Indicator

BOTTOM CENTER CONSOLE:

Left: Jettison Switch

All Selector - Jettisons all pylons. This includes external fuel

TOP LEFT CONSOLE:

1. Top Left: Flaps Lever

CENTER LEFT CONSOLE:

1. Top: Flight Assist Master Switch

1. Top Left: Interior Light Switch

1. Top: Fuel Port Switch

1. Top Left: Master Arm Switch

1.4 - STARTUP PROCEDURE

1.5 - TAKEOFF AND LANDING (RUNWAY)

Note: Unlike with USAF aircraft, flaring is not strictly

1.6 - TAKEOFF AND LANDING (CARRIER)

LANDING - CASE 1 (See Graphic Below):

1. At 800ft, Set Tailhook DOWN

7. Turn to Intercept Glideslope

The commands are as follows:

● Bolter! - You’ve touched the deck but missed the wires - go

WAVE OFF PROCEDURES

2.1 - BDYNAMICS MULTI-FUNCTION COLOR

1. Turn MFCD knob

4. IF THUMBSTICK CONTROL RUDDER OFF: Move the throttle

1. Press Top Button to Switch On

2.2 - GARMIN-54MNAV NAVIGATION DISPLAY

2.3 - AN/AAQ-28 LITENING TARGETING POD

accuracy of GPS guided and iron bombs. LITENING must be mounted

2.4 - AN/APG-75 RADAR

3. Any contact (aircraft OR missile) that enters the search

2.5 - WASP ACTIVE PASSIVE SURVIVAL SUITE

2.5.1 - AN/ALR-96 RWR (RADAR WARNING RECEIVER)

7. Missiles gone “Pitbull” that are guiding with a Continuous

missiles undetected and without warning until mere seconds to

2.5.2 - AN/AAR-60 EMAWS (ENHANCED MISSILE APPROACH

2.5.3 - AN/ALE-47 CMDS (COUNTERMEASURES DISPENSING

2.6 - HEADS UP DISPLAY (HUD)

Altitude (relative to sea level) by pressing the ALT MODE

QUICK REFERENCE - SYMBOLOGY:

The F/A-26B’s HUD uses various symbols to allow maximum

The following list is designed for quick reference to the above

QUICK REFERENCE - SYMBOLOGY DEFINITIONS:

Consciousness). See the Center-Left Console section to