ISAF 2009-2013 - ACO Building - Bullseye List (9/x)
The next natural step after creating the BMAs and setting up the possible AEW tracks is to position the Bullseyes for the theater.
As usual, the Combat Flite (.cf) file and mission kneeboards (.pdf and .png) are available for download below.
Geometric Accuracy
A Bullseye (BE) position is defined using polar coordinates (ρ/θ). When passing a BE position, the position error ϵ(P) is calculated as follows: ϵ(P) = sqrt ( ϵ(ρ)² + ϵ(θ)² ⋅ ρ² )
Because of the distance factor in this formula, small angular errors result in significant position errors when far from the origin. For example, a 1° error at 100 Nm results in a position error of approximately 2 Nm. If you passe angles with a 5° precision, the position error is already around 9 Nm (!) at the same distance. While this precision may be sufficient for a general picture, it is often inadequate for discriminating between two flights in close proximity.
To maintain accuracy across a theater as large as the Afghanistan theater, several Bullseye locations have to be defined.
Bullseye Locations
In our example, we have decided to create 5 BE: this setup ensures that most points remain within 150 Nm of a BE. The central region of Afghanistan has less coverage as fewer combat operations occurred there.
You'll note that in this configuration, each BMA has a primary BE. For instance, "Seminole" is the primary for Crowbar (SW), and "Eskimo" is the primary for Trump Card (E).
To simplify identification, Bullseye names are matched to their geographic location: Navajo for North, Seminole for South, Eskimo for East, Warrior for West, and Cree for the Capital (Kabul sector).
Notes: Procedures and Phraseology
Keep in mind that a correct standardized reporting ensures all players maintain the same tactical picture. In particular:
A "POSIT" is used to report a friendly platform's position relative to the BE.
Format: [NAME] [MAGNETIC BEARING FROM BE] / [RANGE IN NM FROM BE].
Example: "(FRIENDLY) POSIT SEMINOLE 0-4-5 / 65".
An "ALPHA CHECK" is a request for confirmation of bearing and range from aircraft to described point.
Format: [NAME] [MAGNETIC BEARING FROM ACFT TO BE] / [RANGE IN NM FROM ACFT TO BE].
Example: "ALPHA CHECK SEMINOLE 2-2-5 / 65".
When multiple Bullseyes are in use, you must include the specific name of the BE. The correct phraseology is "SEMINOLE 2-7-0 / 90". Do not use "BULLSEYE SEMINOLE 2-7-0 / 90." The term "BULLSEYE" is only used as a prefix when there is a single, established BE for the theater (e.g., "BULLSEYE 2-7-0 / 90").
