air interception

air interception

To effect visual or electronic contact by a friendly aircraft with another aircraft. Normally, the air intercept is conducted in the following five phases: a. climb phase--Airborne to cruising altitude. b. maneuver phase--Receipt of initial vector to target until beginning transition to attack speed and altitude. c. transition phase--Increase or decrease of speed and altitude required for the attack. d. attack phase--Turn to attack heading, acquire target, complete attack, and turn to breakaway heading. e. recovery phase--Breakaway to landing. See also close-controlled air interception.

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.