Attach 3 Support Manual.pdf

2023 Support Manual

ATTACHMENT 5

F-22 / F-16 / A-10 / F-35 PYROTECHNICS PROCEDURES

1. The F-22, F-16, A-10 and F-35 Demo Teams will only utilize pyrotechnics (pyro) as a Wall of Fire and only during the High-Speed Pass (F-22, F-16 and F-35) and Low Angle Strafe Passes (A-10). Only ICAS approved personnel will be permitted to utilize pyrotechnics (pyro) in association with the ACC F -22 / F-16 / A-10 / F-35 Demo Teams.

Each calendar year the ICAS Pyro Safety Subcommittee identifies personnel as approved Shooters in Charge (SICs). Individuals’ selection will be based on experience, judgment, and safety record. Only those SICs approved by the ICAS Pyro Safety Subcommittee will be allowed to work with ACC Demo Teams.

2. The following maximum Net Explosive Weights (NEW) will be used: (Note: All NEWs in this instruction are TNT equivalent). Only non-fragmenting explosive charges will be used:

a. For A-10 Strafe Passes, a maximum of 40 charges with a maximum NEW of one pound per charge may be initiated at one time (in series).

b. The “ending shot” for each A-10 Strafe Pass will be a maximum NEW of two pounds.

c. For the Wall of Fire pass, the maximum NEW is dependent on the length of the wall. The maximum wall length is 2000 linear feet, and the maximum NEW is 20 pounds (spread out evenly). No more than 1 pound NEW will be used for each 100 linear feet of wall. The Demo Pilot will fly the maneuver as a strafe pass, however the explosives will not be initiated until the aircraft exits the blast area.

d. The following items will be briefed by the ACC Demo Pilot and the SIC, in person, prior to each performance:

(1) Exact dimensions of the pyro area and the magnitude of explosives being used.

(2) Aircraft/pyro de-confliction plan.

(3) Demonstration profile and sequence of pyro (Wall of Fire during highspeed pass for F-22 / F-16 / F-35, and pop— up strafe pass, first low angle strafe pass, second low angle strafe pass (simulated bomb run) Wall of Fire pass for the A-10).

(4) Forecast wind and effects on pyro.

FA462024QA231

Attach 3 - Support Manual

2024 Support Manual

(5) Communications plan.

(6) Knock-it-off (KIO) procedures.

(7) Fire hazards and fire department response plan.

(8) FOD potential and effects.

3. Maneuver Description – Pyro. Prior to the start of the F-22, F-16, F-35 or A-10 Demonstration, the Demonstration Pilot or Team Safety Observer will get a radio check with the SIC. Radio contact will only be initiated by the Demo Pilot or Safety Observer, and in no instance will the SIC talk to the Demo Pilot unless safety of flight becomes an issue. Following the C u b a n 8 ( H i g h o r L o w S h o w ) for the F-16, Split-S Reposition (High Show) or Loaded Roll (Low Show) for the F-22, the Weapons Bay Door Pass (High or Low Show) for the F-35, or immediately prior to the first strafe pass for the A-10, the Demonstration Pilot will make a ―”next pass hot” call. This will alert the SIC to the High- Speed Pass maneuver (F-22, F-16, F-35) or first “HOT” strafe run (A-10) and give the SIC permission to discharge the pyrotechnics as briefed. The third low angle strafe pass for the A-10 is a simulated bombing run and will be referred to as the bomb pass—this will be the Wall of Fire bomb pass. The pilot’s responsibility is to fly the demonstration without distraction, and radio calls between the safety observer and the SIC will be kept to the absolute minimum necessary. The turn or vertical pull initiating the aircraft reposition following the High Speed Pass (F-22, F- 16, F-35) or Strafe Run (A-10) is the timing cue to discharge the ―”Wall of Fire”.

4. De-confliction: Deconfliction with the aircraft will be based on altitude, timing and lateral offsets. SIC will not fire the pyro until the demonstration aircraft has exited the blast area (i.e., pulled vertical and begun a positive rate of climb, or begun the reposition turn away from the crowd line). The demonstration aircraft will turn away from the target area prior to flying over the pyro. The F-22, F-16, F-35 or A-10 will fly a ground track that is offset at least 150 ft from the aircraft pyro effect and overfly the pyro by at least 300 ft AGL. IAW AFMAN 91-201, explosives safety standards dictate a minimum of 1250 ft separation from Hazard C/D 1.1 explosive detonations to unrelated personnel.

Therefore, at all Air Force Bases, pyro will be set up a minimum of 1250 ft from the crowd line. The Demonstration Pilot may continue the demonstration on the 500-foot show line.

For all non-Air Force Base show sites, pyro will be set up a minimum of 650 ft from the crowd line, allowing the aircraft to fly on the 500-foot show line.

5. Abnormal Procedures – Pyro. Safety is paramount. If at any time safety becomes an issue, anyone on the radio may make a KIO call. Following a KIO call, the pilot will discontinue his routine and the pilot, safety observer, and SIC will acknowledge the call. If there is ever a question of timing, safety, or sequence, the SIC will not shoot the pyro.

FA462024QA231

Attach 3 - Support Manual