Tactical Flight Training
The content of the tactical phase is designed in such a way that the student will develop a good basic knowledge for 2-ship tactics in air combat situations, both air-to air and air-to-ground.
The content of the standard Tactical Flight Training phase is described in the table below. Like Advanced Training, Tactical Flight Training can also be analysed in a detailed level and adjusted together with the Finnish Air Force, in order to completely fulfil the training needs and requirements.
| Tactical | A/C per pilot | Support sorties | Sim per pilot | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorties | Hours | Sorties | Hours | Sorties | Hours | |
| Single Ship Manevring | 3 | 3,3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2,2 |
| Basic Fighter Maneuvring | 18 | 19,8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4,4 |
| Air Combat Maneuvring | 12 | 13,2 | 4 | 4,4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Combat Tactics | 10 | 11 | 2,5 | 2,8 | 5 | 5,5 |
| Air to Ground | 16 | 17,6 | 1 | 1,1 | 4 | 4,4 |
| Composite | 2 | 2,2 | 1 | 1,1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 61 | 67,1 | 8,5* | 9,4 | 15 | 16,5 |
| *Each support sortie is a target flight for two students flying as a pair. | ||||||
In the tactical flight training phase the student will fly 67 hours (61 sorties) in the Hawk and 16,5 hours (15 sorties) in the simulator. This phase requires 18,8 fh (17 sorties) of support sorties per two students flying as a two-ship. Support sorties as a simulated targets, are flown in 2v1 or visual identification sorties. During 2-ship sorties there is a student pilot onboard both aircraft so students will also receive basic knowledge in leading a 2-ship formation.
The student shall demonstrate proficiency in performing single-ship and two-ship intercepts under various fighter control categories using various geometries and maintaining mutual support in simulated hostile environments.
During the tactical air-to-air and air-to-ground training the student is to demonstrate the ability to apply all the skills learned in previous mission types of instruction while operating in a dynamic air combat arena.
During the Air Combat Training the student shall gain proficiency during the execution of 2-ship employment with emphasis on safe and successful merge tactics execution against a single or two opponents using effective communication throughout all aspects of an engagement. Ground-controlled intercept (GCI) supported sorties will also be flown.
Pilots will have competencies needed for air-to-ground weapons employment and ability to apply all the skills learned in previous mission types of instruction while conducting a tactical ground attack mission.
Passing this tactical phase enables the student to continue his tactical training in a fighter conversion unit in a safe and effective way.