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.