Descriptionary

reconnaissance a mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy; or to secure data concerning the meteorologi­cal, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.

reconnaissance by fire disclosing an enemy's posi­tion by firing or shooting at its general vicinity and waiting for the flashes of return fire.

reconnaissance in force a mission designed to dis­cover or test an enemy's strength.

RF-4 see Phantom II.

roll the rotation of an aircraft in flight. S-2 see Tracker. S-3 see Viking.

salvo the release or firing of all ordnance of a spe­cific type simultaneously.

saunter a code meaning "fly at best endurance."

scan a code meaning "search sector indicated and report any contacts."

scram a code meaning "am about to open fire. Friendly units keep clear of indicated contact, bogey, of area."

scramble an order directing takeoff of aircraft as quickly as possible.

Sea Cobra a single-rotor, dual crew, light attack helicopter armed with a variety of machine guns, rockets, grenade launchers, and antitank missiles. Also known as an AH-1J.

Sea King a single rotor, medium-lift helicopter uti­lized for air/sea rescue and personnel and cargo trans­port in support of aircraft carrier operations. Some may be equipped for antisubmarine operations. Also known as an H-3.

Sea Knight a twin-rotor, medium-lift helicopter uti­lized for personnel and cargo transport. Also known as an H-46.

Sea Sprite a single-rotor light lift helicopter utilized for air/sea rescue, personnel and cargo transport, and antisubmarine operations from naval vessels. Also known as an H-2.

Sea Stallion a single-rotor heavy-lift helicopter uti­lized for personnel and cargo transport. Also known as a CH-53A.

sick a code meaning "equipment indicated is oper­ating at reduced efficiency."

side-looking airborne radar an airborne radar, viewing at right angles to the axis of the vehicle, which produces a presentation of terrain or moving targets.

skip bombing a method of aerial bombing in which a bomb is released from such a low altitude that it slides or glances along the surface of the water or ground and strikes the target at or above water level or ground level.

skip it a code meaning "cease attack"; "do not attack."

Skyhawk a single-engine, turbojet attack aircraft designed to operate from aircraft carriers, and capa­ble of delivering nuclear or nonnuclear weapons, pro­viding troop support, or conducting reconnaissance missions. It can act as a tanker and can itself be air refueled. Also known as an A-4.

Skytote a small unmanned airplane that takes off like a helicopter and can deliver supplies to troops in otherwise inaccessible locations, such as cliffs or rough terrain. It may also be used for surveillance.

snake mode a control made in which the pursuing aircraft flies a programmed weaving flight path to allow time to accomplish identification functions.

snow a narrow band of jamming signals swept back and forth over a wide band of frequencies; sweep jamming.

sortie an operational flight by one aircraft.

spitting in air antisubmarine operations, a code meaning "I am about to lay, or am laying, sonobuoys. I may be out of radio contact for a few minutes."

splashed in air intercept, a code meaning "enemy aircraft shot down."

spoofer a code meaning "a contact employing elec­tronic or tactical deception measures."

Starfighter a supersonic, single-engine, turbojet fighter capable of employing nuclear or nonnuclear weapons. Also known as an F-104.

Starlifter a large cargo transport powered by four tur- bofan engines, capable of intercontinental range with heavy payloads and airdrops. Also known as a C-141.

state chicken a code meaning "I am at a fuel state requiring recovery, tanker service, or diversion to an airfield."

state lamb a code meaning "I do not have enough fuel for an intercept plus reserve required for carrier recovery."

state tiger a code meaning "I have enough fuel to complete my mission as assigned."

static line a line attached to a parachute pack and to a strop in an aircraft so that when the load is dropped the parachute is automatically deployed.

Stealth Bomber a bomber, otherwise known as the B-2, specially designed in the shape of a flat, flying wing in order to render it invisible to enemy radar.

Stealth Fighter a combat fighter/bomber with stealth (radar-eluding) design. Also known as F-117A.

stern attack an attack by an interceptor that termi­nates with a heading crossing angle of 45° or less.

stick a number of paratroopers who jump from a door of an aircraft during one run over a drop zone.