TC 3-01.80 — Visual Aircraft Recognition
TC 3-01.80 governs visual aircraft recognition, including aircraft detection, identification, training, and air threat awareness.
- Publication number: TC 3-01.80
- Title: VISUAL AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION
- Date: 05/05/2017
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 3-01.80 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers aircraft recognition features, detection factors, binocular use, surveillance techniques, and training methods. It requires recognition training for every Soldier in the combat force and uses WEFT theory to teach recognition and identification features.
Applies to: Since there may be many of each type, aircraft recognition training is necessary for every Soldier in the combat force.
Topics covered
- Air threat awareness
- Aircraft detection factors
- Binocular use
- Aircraft identifying features
- VACR training methods
- WEFT theory
- Rotary-wing aircraft recognition
Questions and answers
Why is aircraft recognition training necessary?
Since there may be many of each type, aircraft recognition training is necessary for every Soldier in the combat force. (paragraph 1-1)
What training is required for aircraft types encountered in a theater?
Personnel must be provided ongoing training with specific focus on these particular types of aircraft and their evolving changes in performance and designs that will be seen in that particular theater of operations to decrease the possibility of fratricide. (paragraph 1-3)
Why is early aircraft detection important?
Early detection aides operators with making timely decisions to report and possibly engage any threat aircraft. (paragraph 1-4)
How does an aircraft's aspect affect identification?
The crossing view (lengthwise) will provide a side view of the aircraft. This side view enables the observer to see the entire shape of the aircraft making it easier to identify. (paragraph 1-4)
What are binoculars used for in aircraft recognition?
Binoculars magnify an aircrafts image and can aid in recognizing and identifying aircraft at greater ranges. (paragraph 2-6)