What type of control does the JTAC NOT have a visual of the target and/or the aircraft?

• A. Type 2
• B. Type 3
• C. Type 1
• D. No Visual Control

Answer: (A)

Understanding how JTAC terminal attack control types depend on what the controller can see is the key. When the JTAC can see the attacking aircraft but does not have visual on the target, the situation fits the control type used for when the target isn’t in sight but the aircraft is. In this case, the JTAC guides the attack using information the aircraft provides and approved target data (such as a grid or bearing to the target), rather than giving positive visual identification of the target himself. The aircraft relies on its own sensors to locate and engage the target, while the JTAC remains in control by directing the attack with reference data.

So, the scenario described—no visual of the target while the aircraft is in sight—maps to that control type, making it the best choice. The other types require the JTAC to see the target and aircraft together (Type 1) or involve no visual on either (No Visual/Type 3), which isn’t the scenario presented.