[CLASSIFICATION - e.g., SECRET//NOFORN]

PILOT POCKET GUIDE: EW THREAT IDENTIFICATION & RESPONSE
AREA OF OPERATIONS: EAST ASIA (2001 Baseline)

SECTION 2: ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW) - SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS

1. PURPOSE: This guide provides immediate identification cues and basic response actions for Electronic Warfare (EW) threats commonly encountered in this theater. Timely and accurate threat recognition is critical for mission success and survival. KNOW YOUR ENEMY IN THE SPECTRUM.

2. EW THREAT CATEGORIES (What you’ll face):

• A. Radar Threats (Primary Concern):

  • Early Warning (EW) / Acquisition Radars: Detect aircraft at long range. Provide initial target data to Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). Low immediate threat, but indicates you are detected.
  • Target Acquisition / Height-Finder Radars: Refine target position (range, azimuth, elevation). Often associated with SAM or AAA batteries. Increased threat level.
  • Target Tracking / Fire Control Radars (FCR): Lock onto specific aircraft to guide weapons (SAMs or AAA). High threat – weapon engagement likely imminent.
  • Airborne Intercept (AI) Radars: Radars on enemy fighter aircraft used for search, track, and weapon guidance. Very high threat – indicates air-to-air engagement.

• B. Infrared (IR) / Electro-Optical (EO) Threats:

  • IR Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs): Heat-seeking missiles, often shoulder-fired (MANPADS) or vehicle-mounted. Passive guidance – NO RADAR WARNING, relies on visual/MAWS detection.
  • IR Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs): Heat-seeking missiles fired from enemy aircraft.

• C. Communications Jamming: Intentional disruption of friendly radio communications (UHF/VHF). Impacts C2 and coordination.

• D. Navigation Jamming (Emerging): Potential disruption of GPS signals. May cause navigation errors or loss of precision weapon capability.

3. RWR (RADAR WARNING RECEIVER) INTERPRETATION – YOUR PRIMARY EW SENSOR:

• Know Your Symbology: Associate specific RWR symbols/audio tones with known threat systems (Refer to classified pubs/briefings for precise symbology – e.g., “2” for SA-2, “S” for search radar, flashing symbol for lock, unique audio for launch).
• Prioritize: Highest threat indications (e.g., tracking radar lock, missile guidance signal, AI radar) require IMMEDIATE reaction.
• Signal Strength: Indicates proximity/main beam illumination. Stronger signal = closer/higher threat.
• Status:
  • Search Mode: Indicates radar is looking for targets (lower threat, awareness needed).
  • Track Mode: Indicates radar is locked onto a target (may or may not be you - increased threat).
  • Launch/Guidance Mode: Indicates missile launch/guidance signal detected (CRITICAL THREAT - IMMEDIATE DEFENSIVE MANEUVER).
• Ambiguity: Be aware RWR may have difficulty differentiating closely spaced or similar emitters. Use all sensors (visual, MAWS, wingman) to confirm.

4. COMMON THEATER RADAR THREATS & IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (Examples - Refer to latest INTEL for specifics):

• (Illustrative Example - Replace with actual expected threats & RWR cues)
  • Threat: SA-2 GUIDELINE System (FAN SONG Radar)
    • Role: Medium/High Altitude SAM engagement.
    • RWR Cue: [Specific Symbol, e.g., “2”], specific audio tone. Becomes SOLID/FLASHING on track/guidance. Distinct LAUNCH tone.
    • Action (Track/Launch): IMMEDIATE Break Turn + Chaff. Descend if tactically sound. Assess follow-up shots.
  • Threat: SA-3 GOA System (LOW BLOW Radar)
    • Role: Low/Medium Altitude SAM engagement.
    • RWR Cue: [Specific Symbol, e.g., “3”], specific audio. SOLID/FLASHING on track/guidance. Distinct LAUNCH tone.
    • Action (Track/Launch): IMMEDIATE Aggressive Maneuver + Chaff. Utilize terrain masking if possible.
  • Threat: SA-6 GAINFUL System (STRAIGHT FLUSH Radar)
    • Role: Mobile, Low/Medium Altitude SAM engagement. Semi-Active guidance.
    • RWR Cue: [Specific Symbol, e.g., “6”], specific audio. Continuous illumination required for missile.
    • Action (Track/Launch): IMMEDIATE Aggressive Maneuver (Beam/Drag) + Chaff. Break lock if possible.
  • Threat: ZSU-23-4 SHILKA (GUN DISH Radar)
    • Role: Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) Fire Control. Short Range.
    • RWR Cue: [Specific Symbol, e.g., “Z”], rapid scan tone. Short lock-on time before firing.
    • Action (Track/Firing): IMMEDIATE Aggressive Maneuver + Flares (visual acquisition likely). Jink unpredictably. Exit WEZ rapidly.
  • Threat: Airborne Intercept Radar (e.g., MiG-29, Su-27/J-11 variants)
    • Role: Enemy Fighter Radar.
    • RWR Cue: [Specific Symbol, e.g., “29”, “27”], distinct audio. Critical threat when tracking/launching AAM.
    • Action: Execute appropriate Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) + Countermeasures (Chaff/Flares). Follow ROE.

5. IR / EO THREAT RESPONSE:

• Detection: Primarily via Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) alerts or VISUAL acquisition (smoke trail). NO RWR WARNING for passive IR missiles.
• Action (MAWS Alert / Visual): IMMEDIATE Aggressive Break Turn + FLARES. Maneuver to place threat outside seeker gimbal limits or force missile energy bleed. Keep eyes on threat if possible.

6. JAMMING RESPONSE:

• Communications Jamming: Switch to pre-briefed alternate frequencies. Use brevity codes. Attempt secure comms if available. Relay via other aircraft if possible.
• Radar Jamming (on RWR): May see strobes, high noise floor, or unusual symbols. Trust primary RWR threat indications if discernible. Use other sensors for correlation. Report jamming.
• GPS Jamming: Expect potential loss of GPS accuracy/signal. Revert to backup navigation (INS, TACAN, visual). Report suspected jamming location/effects.

7. EMISSION CONTROL (EMCON):

• Minimize Own Emissions: Use radar, datalinks, and radios only when necessary per mission plan/ROE. Your emissions make you a target.
• Follow EMCON Plan: Adhere strictly to briefed EMCON levels.

8. KEY SURVIVAL PRINCIPLES:

• Anticipate: Know the expected threat laydown based on mission brief.
• Detect Early: Monitor RWR/MAWS constantly. Use visual scan.
• React Immediately: Hesitation is fatal. Execute appropriate defensive maneuver + countermeasures instantly upon critical threat warning.
• Maneuver Aggressively & Unpredictably: Defeat radar locks and missile seekers.
• Use Terrain: Masking significantly reduces exposure to ground-based threats.
• Mutual Support: Wingmen provide crucial threat warning and defense. Communicate threats clearly.
• Report: Debrief ALL EW encounters accurately – type, location, effect. This intelligence saves lives.

REVIEW THIS SECTION FREQUENTLY. YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.

[CLASSIFICATION - e.g., SECRET//NOFORN]

Notes for Implementation:

• Classification: This template uses placeholder classifications. The actual document must be marked according to the sensitivity of the specific threat data included.
• Specific Symbology: The bracketed “[Specific Symbol…]” placeholders MUST be filled in with the actual, classified RWR symbology pilots are trained on for their specific aircraft systems.
• Threat Updates: This reflects a 2001 baseline. Real-world handbooks require constant updates based on the latest intelligence regarding adversary capabilities and deployments.
• Visual Aids: A real handbook would ideally include diagrams of RWR displays, threat system photos/sketches, and missile visual characteristics, space permitting.
• Training: This guide is a supplement to, not a replacement for, comprehensive EW training, simulations, and intelligence briefings.