Updated: 2023-06-02 --- # ACU Control Aircraft control unit or ACU is the term used to describe Command and Control entities that provide direct control of aircraft assigned to the CSG. ACUs can be ship or Aircraft based. In vCSG-3, all controllers are assumed to be acting as an ACU from the E-2D. ACUs are the link between the aircraft conducting missions and the rest of the carrier strike group and warfare commanders. Warfare commanders generate tasking and mission objectives, then send that information to the ACUs, the ACUs determine which aircraft under their control are best suited to accomplish the objectives, and pass specific tasking to those aircraft, monitor the mission, and pass mission results back to the warfare commanders. # ACU Responsibilities The ACU is responsible for the following - Checking in and maintaining accountability for all aircraft under its control - Providing alpha checks and navigation information for aircraft that check in - Transferring aircraft to the correct final controller - When acting as final controllers provide tasking and control calls for various missions to include SCAR, OAS, SEAD, Strike, ISR, and CSAR - Provide coordination between different assets - Forward intelligence from ISR sources to mission assets # Admin/Tacadmin Standard Mission Flow Normal mission flow for aircraft operating off the carrier or airfield: Aircraft outbound from field/carrier are switched to check in frequency by ATC/CATCC If required aircraft push directly to tanker frequency and tank prior to check in Aircraft begin check in with ACU on check in frequency Aircraft pass check ins, receive alpha checks, and receive initial words/tasking from ACU Aircraft are passed to the appropriate final controller > Check in ACU passes check in information to final controller Aircraft checks in with final controller Aircraft executes mission Final controller pushes aircraft back to tanker/CATCC/ATC for recovery TacAdmin flow example ATC “Bengal-1, cleared to switch” A/C “Bengal-1 switching” A/C “Closeout, Bengal-1 on 288.0” *optional* ACU “Bengal-1, Closeout, loud and clear, radar contact” *optional* *Time Passes* A/C “Closeout, Bengal-1 with check in” ACU “Bengal-1 go ahead” A/C “Bengal-1 checking in SCAR1103 as fragged with exception, playtime 1+15, Standing by for tasking and Alpha Check” ACU “Bengal-1 alpha check laura 120/45, Words charlie, increased enemy activity over the last 2 hours, SA-11 and 8 activity laura 340/25, enemy fighters capping laura 270/100, clear to work block angels 10-25, expect SCAR tasking north of Laura, push 325.0” A/C “Bengal-1 good alpha check, copy words charlie, Angels 10-25, pushing 325.0” A/C “Closeout, Bengal-1” (325.0) ACU “Bengal-1, Closeout, loud and clear, anchor Laura 360/15, stand by for further tasking” A/C “Bengal-1, Anchor Laura 360/15” SCAR ACU Mission Flow Final Controller receives aircraft on frequency and checkin information from check in controller Final Controller passes initial flow/anchor information to position aircraft in safe areas for holding and passes any additional information about expected tasking. Once aircraft are ready for tasking and controller has tasking information, SCAR tasking is passed via MAC comm or A/G Tasking format. Monitor tasking completion status and task/retask aircraft to hit targets, utilize aircraft on target to pass target information to incoming aircraft. Monitor for priority tasking, and threats, use intelligence information and BDAs to generate new taskings If tasking complete, anchor or flow aircraft while passing new tasking. Repeat until no targets, or aircraft out of playtime/ordnance, route aircraft safely RTB and push to tanker/ATC/CATCC OAS Mission Flow Final Controller receives aircraft on frequency and checkin information from check in controller Final Controller passes initial flow/anchor information to position aircraft in safe areas for holding and passes any additional information about expected tasking. FAC(A)/JTAC passes CAS request Controller flows aircraft towards IP, passes aircraft information to FAC and pushes aircraft to FAC frequency Aircraft coordinates with FAC on mission status and assigns additional aircraft as needed, monitors threat environment and passes threat calls as needed. Once CAS complete, receive aircraft back from FAC and either anchor or route aircraft outbound. Continue to pass aircraft to complete CAS or SCAR tasking as needed. SEAD/DEAD Mission Flow Final Controller receives aircraft on frequency and checkin information from check in controller Final Controller passes initial flow/anchor information to position aircraft in safe areas for holding and passes any additional information about expected tasking. Pass SEAD/DEAD aircraft emitter information via CAB/ITW calls for active threats or A/G Tasking for down/asleep systems. Monitor aircraft tasking, coordinate jamming and weapon employment, localize emitters via ESM, provide threat and warning calls as applicable. When tasking is complete or aircraft are RTB, route aircraft for safety and pass back to tanker/ATC/CATCC ISR Mission Flow Final Controller receives aircraft on frequency and checkin information from check in controller Final Controller passes initial flow/anchor information to position aircraft in safe areas for holding and passes any additional information about expected tasking. ISR Tasking passed via plain voice, MAC or A/G tasking format. Monitor safety of flight for ISR aircraft, receive reports and collate information and pass to appropriate controllers. Pass threat and warning calls as appropriate. Once tasking complete/aircraft RTB, route for safety of flight and pass back to tanker/ATC/CATCC