When both the target aircraft and the Hornet maneuver heavily, the Vertical Acquisition Mode is used. In this mode, the radar scans an arc 5.3 degrees wide and extends 60 degrees above boresight axis to 14 degrees below. In order to achieve automatic lock-on, the pilot rolls the aircraft into the same plane of motion as the target, ideally positioning the enemy just above the canopy bow and aligned vertically with the HUD.
%n%n
3.3.6 Head-up Display Acquistion Mode
%n%n
The system can also do a Head-up Display Acquisition Mode, in which the radar antenna scans a box corresponding to the field of view of the HUD itself. This typically extends ten degrees left and right of centerline, 14 degrees above and six degrees below. These combat modes are effective from ranges of 500 feet to five nautical miles. When in any one of these modes, the radar automatically locks onto the first acquired target. Lock-on indicators are displayed on cockpit CRTs and the HUD.
