Commit Points + Nerdy Tactical Stuff Flashcards
Define Commit Point of an Operating Area (OA)
A commit point is a briefed location or condition along the ingress to an objective area where the aircraft is committed to landing OR completing the airdrop in order to achieve mission success.
Basically a kissing-cousin of the Nonmaneuvering Point (NMP)…… how they’re correlated is in the theoretical sense that you wouldn’t be manuevering at the commit point, so they coincide.
What does determination of the OA primarily revolve around?
Determination of the commit point primarily revolves around Accepted Level of Risk (ALR), but planners must also consider threats near the OA, aircraft energy state, mission priority and exposure time, etc.
Ref: 3-3 9.16.1
Explain how the Commit Point of an ingress to a DZ is super similar to Vgo on takeoff…. be able to talk through that and show the parallel(s) in theory.
Define Manervering Point(s) in big picture terms….
In addition to commit point planning, planners should set clear definitions of full maneuvering points (FMP), limited maneuvering points (LMP), and nonmaneuvering points (NMP).
Maneuver points are determined by aircraft configuration and performance limitations, coupled with personnel and cargo restrictions introduced by each unique mission set.
Full Manuevering Point (FMP)
Full Maneuvering Point. This is the point where the PF has full use of aircraft AOB and load factors within TO 1C-17A-1, Section V, limitations. All crew and formation members will understand what envelope of airspeeds and configurations permit the FMP and the planned maneuvers during that time.
This will ensure maximum survivability of both the aircraft and crew. Full maneuvering is the default state of an aircraft or formation and often assumes normal en route speeds.
Limited Maneuvering Point (LMP)
Limited Maneuvering Point. This is the point where the PF will limit the bank angle and load factor (G) to a briefed value based on the above factors. A LMP is often the first point in a profile where the C-17 may be in an energy-deficient state.
Identification of this point and its impact to defensive maneuvering capability is paramount. Nonthreat-based limitations (e.g., jumpers standing up, aircraft performance limitations, primary crew duties requiring a LM unrestrained in the cargo compartment) should be considered when defining LMPs.
Additionally, aircraft may return to a limited maneuvering state on egress from an objective prior to resuming full maneuvering capability.
Nonmaneuvering Point (NMP)
Nonmaneuvering Point This is the point where the PF will only maneuver to attain required stability criteria for the landing or aerial delivery. NMPs require the crew to analyze their specific situation based on delivery method, objective area, or threat assessment.
In some specific situations, the NMP could align with the Commit Point, but the terms often do not coincide.
Bank Angle Effect on Climb Performance
3 Types of Tactical Climb Profiles
Tactical Climb Profiles. There are three main types of tactical climbout profiles that have unique benefits versus enemy threat capabilities: spiral climb, low-altitude climbs, and medium-/high-altitude climbs.
Recommended Climb Profile below 3,000 feel AGL
- If the goal is to climb to 3,000 feet AGL or below before proceeding on a normal climbout profile, the low-altitude climb profile should be used.
- The recommended profile for low-altitude climbs is VMFR flown with the slats EX and flaps UP. VMCO provides a better climb rate and angle at low altitudes, but is not recommended for four-engine climbs.
When might you use a spiral climb profiel / escape?
- If a spiral approach was used into the field, a spiral departure also may be considered for departing. In a climb, increased bank angle degrades aircraft climb performance.
- Additionally, a reduction of 8,000 to 10,000 feet from MC performance page maximum altitude normally is encountered in a spiral climb. Spiral climbout should be performed at the best angle-of-climb speed for a given pressure altitude. Best angle of climb speeds enables a tighter radius of turn within protected airspace, decreases the bank angle required, maximizes altitude with forward travel, and ensures good climb performance.
Medium/High-Altitude Climbs / Escapes
- Medium/High-Altitude Climbs. If climbing above 3,000 feet AGL, you will most likely need to use a combination of best angle and best rate climbs to minimize exposure to threats.
- The combination of climbs will be very similar to the alternate departure profile where best angle of climb is used until an established altitude due to climb-out requirements, then the crew transitions to a best rate climb.
- An example of this would be climbing out of an airfield using a best angle climb (Vmfr) until above the small arms WEZ (~3,000 AGL) and then transitioning to a best rate (Vmsr) climb to minimize MANPAD exposure.
Calculated Exposure Time and Distance (Chart)
Use this chart to explain or plan which type of escape you might accomplish… it is useful to justify yourself or demonstrate how one climb may be faster than another or get you to the desired escape altitude in less NMs.
