CATA

Collision Antenna Train Angle (CATA)

CATA intercept (collision antenna train angle - the course you need to fly to intercept in the minimum distance - calculated for you by the fire control computer and displayed as a little circle or dot in the HUD towards which you must fly).

The CATA steering symbol “✠” provides horizontal steering to the tracked target and is displayed at target range. The CATA symbol is not displayed when the collision angle exceeds 60°. To intercept the target the aircraft should be maneuvered toward the CATA to place the CATA at the center of the FCR display.

The CATA symbol is not displayed in newer blocks when the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile is selected; the Allowable Steering Cue (ASC) is used for steering until the range is 1.2 x RAERO.

During STT a cross “✠” is displayed on the radar format at target range to aid in performing various intercept maneuvers. By comparing the position of the symbol versus the centreline of the MFD, the pilot can fly collision, pursuit, or lead steering. This intercept steering symbol provides horizontal steering only, not vertical. If the collision angle exceeds ±60°, the intercept steering symbol disappears off the edge of the MFD.

I noticed that in RWS, more exactly in SAM mode or DTT, when we have at least one track bugged, the Azimuth and Elevation Carets are following a strange logic when they stop to the contact position to update the tracking informations. If you try it leveled it's all ok and seems normal, the strange logic is noticeable when you start banking, and it's quite evident when you are up side down, I mean 180° of bank.

The intercept cue cross, seems following the same logic. Ι imagine you have to center it to the radar screen to have a computer calculated lead intercept course. ΅Well, it seems to be correct only when your wings are leveled. If you go, in the extreme case, upside down, 180° of bank, it's completely reversed.

Actually seems that in RWS bugging the Carets visualization and the calculation subdued to that data (apparently the SAM patterns too), are considering the antenna position before it gets gyro stabilized to match the MFD visualization.