Fox (code word)

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. It should be noted that army aviation elements may use a different nomenclature, as the nature of helicopter fired weapons is almost always air-to-surface.

There are four variations of the "Fox" brevity word, with a number added to the end of "Fox" to describe the primary type of sensors the launched munition possesses (if applicable). In addition, a separate brevity word for gunfire exists and is grouped with the four "Fox" codes for convenience.

"Fox One" - Indicates launch of a semi-active radar guided missile (such as the AIM-7 Sparrow)

"Fox Two" - Indicates launch of an infrared-guided missile (such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder)

"Fox Three" - Indicates launch of an active radar guided missile (such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM)

"Fox Four" - Indicates simulated firing on a target by a bombardier.

"Guns" - Indicates air-to-air or air-to-surface cannon fire.

References

*US. Department of Defense. Air Land Sea Application Center. Multiservice Air-Air, Air-Surface, Surface-Air Brevity Codes Apr. 1997. 30 Jan. 2008 .