Loading AI tools
NATO munition release codeword From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fox is a brevity code used by NATO pilots to signal the simulated or actual release of an air-to-air munition or other combat function. Army aviation elements may use a different nomenclature, as the nature of helicopter-fired weapons is almost always air-to-surface. "Fox" is short for "foxtrot", the NATO phonetic designation for the letter "F", which is short for "fire". A fighter pilot announcing that a weapon has been fired is intended to help avoid friendly fire, alerting other pilots to avoid maneuvering into the path of the munition.
This article is missing information about when fox codes were introduced, and where they originated. (September 2022) |
There are three variations of the Fox brevity word in use, with a number added to the end of Fox to describe the primary type of sensors the launched munition possesses (if applicable). This includes autocannons and collisions.
Prior to the advent of active radar homing missiles the code "Fox three" referred to the use of guns or cannon, such as the M61 Vulcan which is used in various military aircraft. The difference can be noted in various war films, notably in the 1986 film Top Gun, where the term is used in various dogfight scenes.
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.