Aerial Rocket Sub-System (ARS)¶

The Aerial Rocket Sub-system is an aerial rocket bombardment system designed for engaging or suppressing area targets at long range and is effective against groups of vehicles or personnel in the open.

The ARS consists of up to four M261 rocket launchers (also called “rocket pods”), which are capable of firing 2.75-inch unguided rockets of the Hydra-70 rocket family. Each 19-tube pod is “zoned”, which permits the carriage of up to three different warhead types when a single pair of launchers are used, or up to five different warhead types when two pairs of launchers are used. Single rocket pods may also be loaded if desired, in the case of reducing overall gross weight as necessary.

Rockets may be employed “independently” by either crewmember when using the HMD or FCR as the selected sight; or by both crewmembers in a “cooperative” manner in which the Pilot aligns the aircraft with the ballistic solution calculated by the CPG’s selected sight (usually the TADS).

When employed using the HMD as the selected sight, rocket engagements are typically performed at speeds above effective translational lift (ETL), using forward airspeed to increase the stability of the aircraft. These engagements are performed using weapon delivery techniques known as “running fire” or “diving fire”, which improves the accuracy of unguided munitions such as rockets. (See Weapon Delivery Techniques for more information.)

When employed using the TADS or FCR as the selected sight, rocket engagements may be performed using a third weapon delivery technique known as “hover fire”, in which the aircraft remains stationary while employing unguided rockets against area targets. These engagements may be used in either a “direct fire” mode, in which the target location is directly sighted by the TADS when making aiming adjustments; or an “indirect fire” mode, in which the TADS is slaved to a 3-dimensional target location previously stored using the TADS, detected by the FCR, received via the datalink, or manually input by the aircrew, and the rockets are launched from behind cover without having a direct line-of-sight to the target area.

Hydra-70 2.75-inch Unguided Rockets¶

Unguided rockets have been in use by military helicopters for decades, with the first large-scale use by UH-1 and AH-1 helicopters during the Vietnam War of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Although fire control systems in various military fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters have advanced in accuracy and sophistication, the overall design of the rockets themselves has remained comparatively simple with few changes.

The most commonly used rocket motor by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War was the Mk40 FFAR (Folding Fin Aerial Rocket), itself derived from the World War 2-era “Mighty Mouse” aerial rocket. The Mk40 was a tube- launched, solid-propellant rocket motor 2.75 inches (70mm) in diameter, with four stabilizing fins that would deploy once the rocket had been expelled from its launcher. The Mk40 rocket motor could be fitted with a variety of compatible warheads, including high-explosives, white phosphorus for target marking, or even flechette- dispensing warheads for anti-personnel.

The Mk66 rocket motor was later developed and gradually replaced the Mk40 as the principal rocket motor for Hydra-70 rocket systems in the U.S. military. The Mk66 included a revised “wrap-around folding fin” design and a more powerful rocket motor with an increased propellant load, allowing it to be employed against targets as far as 7,500 meters. The rocket propellant is expelled through a spiral-fluted nozzle that generates a spinning motion to increase the ballistic stability and accuracy of the rocket after launch. Like the previous Mk40 rocket motors, the Mk66 is compatible with a large number of the same 2.75-inch diameter warheads.

Weapon designations of the Hydra family of rockets are typically denoted by the installed warheads, despite being composed of three distinct components to include the Mk66 rocket motor, warhead, and fuze. Depending on the specific warhead that is installed on the rocket, some fuzes are integrated within the warhead itself while others may be fitted with an external fuze option.

Compatible fuzes are grouped into three categories, based on their method of function. Rocket warheads that may employ these types of fuzes are listed below within each applicable fuze category.

Point-Detonating Fuze¶

Initiates upon impact.

M151 High Explosive
M229 High Explosive
M274 Training Smoke
M156 WP Smoke

Variable Delay Fuze¶

Initiates based on target range or
a variable time delay after impact.

M151 High Explosive
M229 High Explosive
M255A1 Flechette
M261 MP Sub-Munition
M264 RP Smoke

Fixed Delay Fuze¶

Initiates based on a fixed time delay after launch.

M257 Illumination
M258 IR Illumination

M423 Point-Detonating (PD) Fuze. The M423 fuze initiates the warhead charge immediately upon impact with any solid surface. This fuze is the most commonly used by M151 and M229 high-explosive warheads, but is also used by the M156 white phosphorus smoke rocket for target marking and by the M274 training rocket.

M433 Resistance Capacitance (RC) Fuze. The M433 is a variable-time delay fuze that uses an electrical charge delivered by the launching aircraft to set the desired time delay based on the specific cockpit selection. The fuze is activated upon impact with a solid surface and initiates the warhead charge after a brief delay, allowing the warhead to penetrate obstructions prior to detonation. This fuze is not commonly used but could be employed to increase the penetration of high-explosive warheads through dense foliage or defensive fortifications.

M439 Air Burst Fuze. The M439 is a variable-time delay fuze that uses an electrical charge delivered by the launching aircraft to set the desired time delay based on the specific cockpit selection. The fuze is activated upon launch and initiates the warhead charge after a delay, allowing the warhead to reach a pre-determined range along its trajectory prior to detonation or delivery of the warhead contents. This fuze is integrated into the M255A1 Flechette, M261 Multi-Purpose Sub-Munition (MPSM), and M264 red phosphorus smoke rockets.

M442 Cargo Fuze. The M442 is a fixed-time delay fuze that initiates the warhead charge approximately 9 seconds following rocket motor burnout. The combined flight time of the rocket motor burn and the subsequent fuze delay deploys the warhead contents approximately 3,500 meters from the launch point and is integrated into the M257 and M278 battlefield illumination rockets.

Rocket Launcher Zones¶

The AH-64 is capable of employing up to five unique rocket warhead types when loaded with four M261 rocket launchers. Each of the 19 individual rocket tubes of each M261 launcher is equipped with independent firing and fuzing circuits, which allow the rockets to be selectively fired based on which tube is physically occupied by a rocket and which warhead “zone” the tube is assigned.

Each zone is permanently allocated to each of the four wing pylons, meaning that zones A and B will only be assigned to M261 launchers mounted under the outboard wing pylons, and zones C and D will only be assigned to launchers mounted under the inboard wing pylons. However, zone E will always be assigned to the center three tubes of any installed launchers.

Rocket Steering Cursor¶

The Aerial Rocket Sub-system (ARS) enables accurate delivery of massed fires against area targets and provides an AH-64 team with a direct and indirect fire capability akin to a light rocket artillery battery. The fire control system of the AH-64 calculates ballistic trajectories of 2.75-inch unguided rockets out to a range of 7,500 meters, and at such distances most vehicle-sized targets would be difficult to visually acquire, depending on the nature of the terrain. If a target could be seen at such a distance, direct aiming devices would be inadequate in providing the level of aiming precision that would be necessary to ensure unguided munitions, even an area effect weapon such as unguided rockets, could be delivered in the vicinity of the target. This would preclude the use of direct sighting methods such as a Continuously Computed Impact Point (CCIP) or any other reticle that would require adjustments to an aimpoint toward distant target locations.

The key piece of symbology associated with employing rockets is the Rocket Steering Cursor, an I-beam shaped symbol displayed within the crewmembers’ sight symbology. The Rocket Steering

Cursor is a steering cue which indicates the required position that the nose of the aircraft must be placed in azimuth and elevation, taking into account the limited articulation range of the pylons. When the symbology LOS Reticle is aligned along the “I-beam” between the upper and lower limits of the Rocket Steering Cursor, the aircraft is positioned in which the calculated weapon aiming solution against the intended target is within the articulation range of the wing pylons.

The Rocket Steering Cursor is longitudinally-scaled and is not a virtual symbology element; its displayed location does not correspond with a real-world location that is observed “out-the- window” like the Head Tracker or Flight Path Vector. This removes the limitations of direct sighting against long- range targets and allows the AH-64 to employ unguided rockets from behind cover when the aircraft may not have a direct line-of-sight to the target location. This capability facilitates indirect fire against target locations that have been handed off to the AH-64 aircrew from another platform such as another AH-64 team member, a scout helicopter, or friendly ground forces.

To aid the aircrew in aligning the rocket launchers with the calculated weapon aiming solution, the weapon pylons themselves articulate in the vertical axis to account for target range and the pitch attitude of the helicopter at a given airspeed. The pylons have an articulation range of +4° to -15° relative to the Aircraft Datum Line (ADL), which represents the longitudinal axis of the fuselage.

The Head Tracker symbol within the IHADSS Flight symbology is displayed at -4.9° relative to the ADL. In a stable hover with no winds, or when landed, the Head Tracker will be level with the horizon; and is at an approximate mid-point between the upper and lower articulation limits of the pylons.

Rocket Steering Cursor Alignment¶

The Rocket Steering Cursor is longitudinally positioned within the symbology based on the position of the weapon aiming solution relative to the nose of the aircraft, which is represented by the LOS Reticle. If the Rocket Steering Cursor is displayed to the left of the LOS Reticle, the heading of the aircraft should be adjusted to the left until the Rocket Steering Cursor is aligned with the LOS Reticle, and vice versa if the Rocket Steering Cursor is to the right of the LOS Reticle.

In the example below, the sight’s LOS Reticle has been placed over a group of vehicles approximately 3 kilometers away. The LOS Reticle is being used to designate the target location and is also being used to represent the nose of the aircraft as a reference point from which the Rocket Steering Cursor is being displayed. While the Head Tracker is a virtual symbology element representing the real-world position of the aircraft nose, the Rocket Steering Cursor is a longitudinally-scaled symbology element that is displayed relative to the LOS Reticle. As a result, the Rocket Steering Cursor is indicating to the Pilot that the nose of the aircraft must be steered to the left to align the rocket launchers with the weapon aiming solution.

Rocket Steering Cursor – Lateral Misalignment

In this scenario, the LOS Reticle is vertically aligned between the upper and lower limits of the Rocket Steering Cursor, indicating that the weapon aiming solution is within the articulation range of the wing pylons. However, the LOS Reticle is laterally misaligned to the right from the Rocket Steering Cursor, indicating the rockets will impact to the right of the intended target. If the rockets were fired under these conditions, they would impact to the right of the target but would be at the correct range (assuming the ranging data being used by the selected sight is accurate).

To correct lateral misalignment of the Rocket Steering Cursor, the Pilot should turn in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor until the LOS Reticle is aligned along the vertical axis of the “I-beam”. If in a hover or at low speeds near hover, the Pilot should use the pedals to yaw the aircraft in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor. If in forward flight, the Pilot should use the cyclic to bank the aircraft in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor while adjusting the pedals to keep the skid/slip indicator (“trim ball”) centered.

In the next example below, the sight’s LOS Reticle has been placed over a group of vehicles approximately 6 kilometers away, and the aircraft nose is correctly aligned with the weapon aiming solution. However, due to the range between the aircraft and the targets, the weapon aiming solution is beyond the articulation range of the wing pylons. As a result, the Rocket Steering Cursor is indicating to the Pilot that the nose of the aircraft must be elevated to align the rocket launchers with the weapon aiming solution.

In addition, the Rocket Steering Cursor itself is dashed to indicate that a weapon inhibit exists, in this case a performance inhibit, accompanied by the “PYLON LIMIT” inhibit message displayed within the symbology. (See Rocket Steering Cursor Format on the following page for more information.)

Rocket Steering Cursor – Vertical Misalignment

In this scenario, the LOS Reticle is laterally aligned with the Rocket Steering Cursor, indicating that the aircraft is on the correct heading for an accurate rocket delivery. However, the LOS Reticle is vertically misaligned below the Rocket Steering Cursor. If the rockets were fired under these conditions, their ballistic trajectory would be insufficient to achieve the required range and would impact the ground prior to reaching the target.

To correct vertical misalignment of the Rocket Steering Cursor, the Pilot should use the cyclic to adjust the pitch attitude of the aircraft in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor until the LOS Reticle is aligned between the upper and lower limits of the “I-beam”. This technique uses the pitch attitude of the helicopter to augment the elevation of the rocket launchers and is called “super-elevating”.

If in a hover or at low speeds near hover, the Pilot should use caution when super-elevating the nose near obstacles as the pitch-up attitude will induce a backwards acceleration. If sufficient maneuver area is available, it may be advisable to gain some forward speed prior to performing a “super-elevation maneuver” for long-range rocket delivery. Forward airspeeds also increase airflow over the tail, providing the added benefit of improving the helicopter’s stability, which will enhance the accuracy of unguided munitions.

Rocket Steering Cursor Format¶

The Rocket Steering Cursor is displayed in four formats to indicate whether the weapon aiming solution is within the articulation range of the wing pylons (Valid or Invalid) and the current pylon state (Normal or Ground Stow).

If the weapon aiming solution is within the articulation range of the wing pylons and no Weapon Inhibit messages are displayed within the High Action Display, the Rocket Steering Cursor will be displayed as Valid.

If the weapon aiming solution is beyond the articulation range of the wing pylons or any Weapon Inhibit messages are displayed within the High Action Display, the Rocket Steering Cursor will be displayed as Invalid.

If Ground Stow (GND STOW) is disabled on the WPN Utility sub-page, enabling normal articulation functions of the wing pylons, the Rocket Steering Cursor will be displayed as a continuous “I-beam” symbol.

If Ground Stow (GND STOW) is enabled on the WPN Utility sub-page, disabling the normal articulation functions of the wing pylons and setting the pylons to

-5° relative to the Aircraft Datum Line (coincident with the Head Tracker symbol within the HMD Flight symbology), the Rocket Steering Cursor will be displayed as a broken “I-beam” symbol.

Note

When the Rocket Steering Cursor is displayed in the GND STOW format, the broken “I-beam” symbol will remain referenced from the LOS Reticle based on the calculated weapon aiming solution.

Rocket Weapon Inhibits¶

The following conditions will inhibit the rockets from being fired or interrupt the firing of the rockets if already in in progress. Performance inhibits may be overridden by pulling the trigger to the 2nd detent. Safety inhibits cannot be overridden.

Performance Inhibits¶

BAL LIMIT:

The required weapon aiming solution exceeds the ballistics processing capability.
- If tactically feasible, engage the target at a closer range.
PYLON LIMIT (IN FLIGHT):

The commanded position of the rocket launcher(s) exceeds the pylon articulation limits. (+4° to -15°).
- Adjust the aircraft pitch attitude as necessary to bring the weapon aiming solution within the articulation range of the wing pylons (e.g., pitch the nose toward the Rocket Steering Cursor).

Safety Inhibits¶

ACCEL LIMIT:

Vertical acceleration is <0.5 G; the main rotor blades may obstruct the trajectory of the rockets when fired.
- Reduce the severity of the current maneuver to increase the positive G load on the aircraft.
ALT LAUNCH:

A missile launch is already in progress.
- The rockets may be fired 2 seconds after the missile launch is complete.
GUN OBSTRUCT:

The gun is out of coincidence from the weapon aiming solution and may obstruct the trajectory of rockets fired from the inboard wing pylons.
- If tactically feasible, instruct the crewmember that has actioned the gun to de-action in order to permit the firing of rockets.
LOS INVALID:

The line-of-sight of the selected sight is invalid or has failed; and cannot provide a weapon aiming solution to the gun.
- Select a different sight for engagement. If using HMD as the sight and the LOS Reticle is flashing, adjust the helmet position to within the slew limits of the assigned NVS sensor (PNVS or TADS).
PYLON ERROR:

Indicates that the pylon position is not equal to the commanded pylon position or the rocket launcher positions are unknown.
- If inhibit message remains, the corresponding wing pylons may have experienced a failure. A different rocket warhead selection may be made (if available) on a different set of wing pylons; otherwise the rockets should be de-actioned.
PYLON LIMIT (ON GROUND):

The commanded position of the rocket launcher(s) exceeds the pylon articulation limits. (+4° to -5°).
- Adjust the weapon aiming solution as necessary to that which may be utilized within the articulation range of the wing pylons.
SAFE:

The master armament state is currently set to SAFE; weapons cannot be fired.
- Set the A/S button on the Armament Panel to ARM.

WPN Rocket (RKT) Format¶

When rockets are selected for employment within the crewstation, the WPN page will be set to RKT format.

Inventory Select. Displays the available rocket warhead types and the remaining quantity onboard for each type. A rocket warhead type may be selected for employment using VAB L1-L5, with the current selection boxed. This setting is independent between crewstations unless COOP mode is entered.

Note

All rocket zones that are loaded with the same warhead type are consolidated into a single selection.
Quantity Select. Displays the selected quantity of rockets that will be fired within a salvo. Selection of VAB R1 will display the Quantity Select menu that permits a different quantity to be selected. Available options are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 or ALL.
Rocket Status. Indicates a rocket launcher is installed onto the corresponding wing pylon. The launcher icon appearance and text label indicate the status and warhead inventory selection of the launcher.

Rocket Weapon Status Messages¶

The following messages will be displayed in the High Action Display based on current rocket status or weapon page settings when rockets are actioned.

LIMITS: The commanded position of the rocket launcher(s) exceeds the pylon articulation limits.
NO ROCKETS: Rockets are actioned but no rockets are available. Rockets are actioned. Ground stow is enabled on the WPN Utility sub-page and rocket
RKT G-S: launchers are not articulating.
RKT NORM: Rockets are actioned. Rocket launchers are articulating to the weapon aiming solution. The remaining time of flight (in seconds) for the most recent rocket salvo that has been
RKT TOF=##: fired. Rockets are actioned but a rocket type has not been selected from the INVENTORY on
TYPE?: the WPN page; or the previous type has been depleted and another rocket type must be selected.
WEAPON?: The weapon trigger has been pulled but no weapon has been actioned.

Rocket Engagement Using TADS (Direct Fire In COOP Mode)¶

When employing unguided rockets in Cooperative (COOP) mode, the TADS is used by the CPG to calculate the weapon aiming solution while the Pilot maneuvers the aircraft to align the Rocket Steering Cursor. If the target is moving, continuous laser designation via the 2nd detent of the laser trigger should be used to incorporate the Target State Estimator (TSE) for lead-angle compensation. TADS LMC and/or IAT may also be used to assist the CPG in stabilizing the TADS LOS Reticle on the target.

Cooperative mode can only be entered when the CPG actions rockets on the TEDAC Left Handgrip and the Pilot actions rockets on the Cyclic Grip.

When COOP mode is entered, the Pilot’s WPN page settings in the RKT format will default to the setting s of the CPG. However, when in COOP mode, these settings are common between crewstations in that changing the INVENTORY (VAB L1-L5) or QTY (VAB R1) settings in one crewstation will change them in the other.

To engage a target with Direct Fire rockets in Cooperative mode, using the TADS as the selected sight:

PLT Sight Select switch – HMD. (Collective Mission Grip)
CPG Sight Select switch – TADS. (TEDAC Right Handgrip)
CPG WPN Fixed Action Button – Press.
CPG (Optional) Determine the appropriate acquisition source (ACQ) for acquiring the target.
- If the target is visually acquired by either crewmember, set ACQ to PHS or GHS.
- If the target is stored as a point within the navigational database, set ACQ to the corresponding point.
CPG (Optional) SLAVE button – Press, and then press again to de-slave when the TADS has finished slewing.
PLT Weapon Action switch (WAS) – Left. (Cyclic Grip)
CPG Weapon Action Switch (WAS) – Left. (TEDAC Left Handgrip)
PLT & CPG Weapon Control Status – Verify “COOP”. (High Action Display)
PLT & CPG Weapon Status – Verify “RKT NORM”. (High Action Display)
PLT / CPG Weapon settings – Verify or select. (WPN page)
- © TYPE (VAB L1-L5) – Select as desired.
- © QTY (VAB R1) – Select as desired.
CPG Range source – Verify or select: Laser, Navigation, Auto, or Manual. (TADS Acquisition and Ranging)
CPG If the target or aircraft are moving, engage TADS targeting modes to stabilize the TADS on target.
- Manual tracking - Engage LMC and employ the Sight Manual Tracker.
- Automatic tracking - Engage IAT.
CPG LRFD Trigger – Pull, if laser ranging is desired. (TEDAC Right Handgrip)
- Target and aircraft are stationary – LRFD trigger, 1st detent, may be pulled momentarily (ranging).
- Target or aircraft are moving –
  LRFD trigger, 2nd detent, should be pulled and held (designation).
CPG Instruct the Pilot to align the aircraft with the Rocket Steering Cursor and fire – “Match and Shoot.”
PLT Rocket Steering Cursor – Align with
the HMD LOS Reticle.
- Running/Diving Fire – Apply cyclic inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor while applying pedal inputs to maintain aerodynamic trim.
- Hover Fire – Apply pedal inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor.
PLT & CPG Weapon Inhibit messages –
Verify no Safety or Performance inhibit messages are displayed:
- ACCEL LIMIT
- ALT LAUNCH
- GUN OBSTRUCT
- PYLON ERROR
- BAL LIMIT
- PYLON LIMIT
PLT Weapon Trigger – Pull and hold for duration of salvo. (Cyclic Grip)
CPG TADS Field-Of-View (FOV) - Decrease by one level. (e.g., switch FLIR from Narrow to Medium FOV)
PLT & CPG Observe for rocket impacts – Adjust the TADS LOS Reticle aimpoint and repeat rocket salvo as necessary until target effects are achieved.

Rocket Engagement Using TADS (Indirect Fire In COOP Mode)¶

When employing unguided rockets in Cooperative (COOP) mode, the TADS is used by the CPG to calculate the weapon aiming solution while the Pilot maneuvers the aircraft to align the Rocket Steering Cursor. When employed in an indirect fire manner in which the target cannot be directly observed by the aircraft sensors, the TADS is slaved to a point within the navigational database corresponding with the target’s 3-dimensional location. This point may be stored using the TADS, manually input by the crew, or received from another team member.

Cooperative mode can only be entered when the CPG actions rockets on the TEDAC Left Handgrip and the Pilot actions rockets on the Cyclic Grip.

When COOP mode is entered, the Pilot’s WPN page settings in the RKT format will default to the settings of the CPG. However, when in COOP mode, these settings are common between crewstations in that changing the INVENTORY (VAB L1-L5) or QTY (VAB R1) settings in one crewstation will change them in the other.

To engage a target with Indirect Fire rockets in Cooperative mode, using the TADS as the selected sight:

PLT Sight Select switch – HMD. (Collective Mission Grip)
CPG Sight Select switch – TADS. (TEDAC Right Handgrip)
CPG WPN Fixed Action Button – Press.
CPG Determine the appropriate acquisition source (ACQ) for acquiring the target.
- COORD (VAB T5) – Select.
- Point (VAB L1-L6) – Select; or use paging controls to locate the target point within the database.
Note

If the target location is not already present in the navigational
database, the target point must be received via the datalink or manually input on the POINT sub-page. (See the Datalink chapter or TSD Point sub-page for more information.)
CPG SLAVE button – Press.
PLT Weapon Action switch (WAS) – Left. (Cyclic Grip)
CPG Weapon Action Switch (WAS) – Left. (TEDAC Left Handgrip)
PLT & CPG Weapon Control Status – Verify “COOP”. (High Action Display)
PLT & CPG Weapon Status – Verify “RKT NORM”. (High Action Display)
PLT / CPG Weapon settings – Verify or select. (WPN page)
- © TYPE (VAB L1-L5) – Select as desired.
- © QTY (VAB R1) – Select as desired.
- A A/S button – Verified in ARM. CPG (Armament Panel)
- CPG Range source – Verify Navigation. (TADS Acquisition and Ranging)
CPG Instruct the Pilot to align the aircraft with the Rocket Steering Cursor and fire – “Match and Shoot.”
PLT Rocket Steering Cursor – Align with the HMD LOS Reticle.
- Running Fire – Apply cyclic inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor while applying pedal inputs to maintain aerodynamic trim.
- Hover Fire – Apply pedal inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor.
PLT & CPG Weapon Inhibit messages – Verify no Safety or Performance inhibit messages are displayed:
- ACCEL LIMIT
- ALT LAUNCH
- GUN OBSTRUCT
- PYLON ERROR
- BAL LIMIT
- PYLON LIMIT
PLT Weapon Trigger – Pull and hold for duration of salvo. (Cyclic Grip)
PLT & CPG If no observers are able to provide a damage assessment after rockets are fired, it may be necessary to un-mask and observe the target area to determine if the desired target effects are achieved.

Rocket Engagement Using FCR (Direct Fire Or Indirect Fire)¶

When employing unguided rockets independently from either crewstation using the FCR, the NTS target is used for calculating the weapon aiming solution for the Rocket Steering Cursor. If the target is moving, the target should be engaged in as short amount of time possible following the completion of the FCR scan to ensure the lead-angle compensation to the target is accurate.

Since the 3-dimensional location of the NTS target is used for calculating the weapon aiming solution, unguided rockets may be employed in a direct fire manner in which the target can be directly observed by the aircraft sensors, or in an indirect fire manner in which the target cannot be directly observed by the aircraft sensors.

When employing unguided rockets in Cooperative (COOP) mode, the FCR is used by the CPG to calculate the weapon aiming solution while the Pilot maneuvers the aircraft to align the Rocket Steering Cursor. Cooperative mode can only be entered when the CPG actions rockets on the TEDAC Left Handgrip and the Pilot actions rockets on the Cyclic Grip.

To engage a target from either crewstation while using the FCR as the selected sight:

Sight Select switch – FCR. (Collective Mission Grip or TEDAC Right Handgrip)
NTS (VAB L1) – Select to advance NTS to desired target for engagement.

or

MPD Cursor Controller/Enter – Select desired target for engagement.
WPN Fixed Action Button – Press.
Weapon Action switch (WAS) – Left. (Cyclic Grip)
Weapon Status – Verify “RKT NORM”. (High Action Display)
Weapon settings – Verify or select. (WPN page)
- TYPE (VAB L1-L5) – Select as
  desired.
- QTY (VAB R1) – Select as desired.
A/S button – Verified in ARM. (Armament Panel)
Range source – Verify Radar range is within appropriate engagement range.
Rocket Steering Cursor – Align with the HMD LOS Reticle.
- Running/Diving Fire – Apply cyclic inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor while applying pedal inputs to maintain aerodynamic trim.
- Hover Fire – Apply pedal inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor.
Weapon Inhibit messages – Verify no Safety or Performance inhibit messages are displayed:
- ACCEL LIMIT
- ALT LAUNCH
- GUN OBSTRUCT
- PYLON ERROR
- BAL LIMIT
- PYLON LIMIT
Weapon Trigger – Pull and hold for duration of salvo. (Cyclic Grip)

Rocket Engagement Using HMD (Direct Fire)¶

When employing unguided rockets independently from either crewstation, the crewmember uses the HMD to calculate the weapon aiming solution while maneuvering the aircraft to align the Rocket Steering Cursor. Since the HMD LOS Reticle designates the target location, the helmet position must be maintained on the target to provide continuous and accurate steering cues via the Rocket Steering Cursor.

To engage a target with Direct Fire rockets, using the HMD as the selected sight:

Sight Select switch – HMD. (Collective Mission Grip)
WPN Fixed Action Button – Press.
Weapon Action switch (WAS) – Left. (Cyclic Grip)
Weapon Status – Verify “RKT NORM”. (High Action Display)
Weapon settings – Verify or select. (WPN page)
- TYPE (VAB L1-L5) – Select as desired.
- QTY (VAB R1) – Select as desired.
A/S button – Verified in ARM. (Armament
Panel)
Range source – Verify or select: Navigation, Auto, or Manual. (HMD Acquisition and Ranging)
HMD LOS Reticle – Designate the target.
Rocket Steering Cursor – Align with the HMD LOS Reticle while maintaining the HMD LOS Reticle on the target.
- Running/Diving Fire – Apply cyclic inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor while applying
  pedal inputs to maintain aerodynamic trim.
- Hover Fire – Apply pedal inputs in the direction of the Rocket Steering Cursor.
Weapon Inhibit messages – Verify no Safety or Performance inhibit messages are displayed:
- ACCEL LIMIT
- ALT LAUNCH
- GUN OBSTRUCT
- PYLON ERROR
- BAL LIMIT
- PYLON LIMIT
Weapon Trigger – Pull and hold for duration of salvo. (Cyclic Grip)
Observe for rocket impacts – Adjust the HMD LOS Reticle aimpoint and repeat rocket salvo as necessary until target effects are achieved.