Fox (code word)
 | This article is missing information about when fox codes were introduced, and where they originated. (September 2022) |
Fox is a brevity code used by NATO pilots to signal the simulated or actual release of an air-to-air munition or other combat function. Army aviation elements may use a different nomenclature, as the nature of helicopter-fired weapons is almost always air-to-surface. "Fox" is short for "foxtrot", the NATO phonetic designation for the letter "F", which is short for "fire". The radio call announcing that a weapon has been fired is intended to help avoid friendly fire, alerting other pilots to avoid maneuvering into the path of the munition.
There are three variations of the Fox brevity word in use, with a number added to the end of Fox to describe the primary type of sensors the launched munition possesses (if applicable).
- Fox one
- Indicates launch of a semi-active radar-guided missile (such as the AIM-7 Sparrow).[1]
- Fox two
- Indicates launch of an infrared-guided missile (such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder).[1]
- Fox three
- Indicates launch of an active radar-guided missile (such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM).[1]
Before the introduction of Active radar homing missiles Fox three was the callsign for guns in an air to air role.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "BREVITY Multiservice Brevity Codes" (PDF). www.adtdl.army.mil. Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). 1 February 2002. Ch. 1, p. 13. Marine Corps PCN 14400001500. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
External links[edit]
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