What does radar intercept officer do?

*A job as a Naval Flight Officer, Radar Intercept Officer falls under the broader career category of Air Crew Officers. Job Description for Air Crew Officers : Perform and direct in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions.

Is a radar intercept officer a pilot?

NFOs are not pilots (naval aviators), but they may perform many “co-pilot” functions, depending on the type of aircraft. Until 1966, their duties were performed by both commissioned officer and senior enlisted naval aviation observers (NAO).

What does the guy in the back of an F-14 do?

RIOs were the back-seaters who operated the F-14’s weapon system, were responsible for communication and navigation, and performed other aircrew duties. During a radar intercept the RIO directed the pilot, so he was “verbally flying” the aircraft.

Who sits behind the fighter pilot?

9 Answers. All fighter aircraft have one pilot, though some have two crew members. The backseat crew member is not a pilot, but often either a Radar Intercept Officer (US Navy), Navigator/Weapon Systems Officer (USAF, IDF), or Flight instructor.

Are all Navy pilots officers?

All pilots are officers. To become an officer in the Navy, you are required to have a college education. Typically pilots are bachelors of science in any of the STEM field.

What kind of radar does the F-14 have?

A Lockheed Martin infrared search and track system is installed in a sensor pod under the nose. The F-14D is equipped with a Raytheon AN/APG-71 digital multimode radar, which provides non-cooperative target identification, and incorporates low sidelobe techniques and enhanced frequency agility.

What is an F-14D Tomcat?

The F-14D (R) Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep-wing, two-place strike fighter manufactured by Grumman Aircraft Corporation. The multiple tasks of navigation, target acquisition, electronic counter measures (ECM), and weapons employment are divided between the pilot and the radar intercept officer (RIO).

How did the F-14 destroy the MiG-23?

The crew of the lead F-14A, AC202 fired an AIM-7 Sparrow missile which did not stike its target, while the second F-14A’s, AC207 (BuNo. 159610) AIM-7 found its target destroying one of the MiG-23s. The lead F-14 re-engaged the remaining MiG-23 firing an AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missile which detonated in the tailpipe of the Flogger.