One of the several WIPs I have is going to be an air defense interceptor. I’m planning on adding a searchlight for target ID, like the F-16ADF and CF-118s (Swiss F-18s too, I think. ) On these the light was mounted on the port side. Now, question I have is … intercept doctrine, as I understand it, is the interceptor approaches from the rear, along the port side of the unidentified aircraft so as to be on the pilot’s side (of a multi seat aircraft) for contact. (Wingman of interceptor remains to the rear of the target.) What good is a search light on the side of the interceptor OPPOSITE of the target aircraft. Shouldn’t it be on the starboard side to lght the target up for ID?
2 Likes
No idea, but my guess is the wingman lights up the target for ID by the flight lead? I imagine a plane is easier to identify with a rear quarter/side view than a straight on rear view
Nah - the lead intercept just flies inverted! 
As Mead says, the wingman probably lights up the tail for easy reading by the lead, so a left-wing light serves the left-side approach.
It wing is lighting up the target from behind then what good is a light on the port side? AND according to the NORAD manual the one doing the IDing is Lead , on the target’s port side. Intercept Procedures (cfinotebook.net)
Hmm, front your first post I had thought the light was mounted port side but facing forward. That’s why I suggested the wingman lit up the target for the flight lead to identify.
If the light truly points directly to port, then I’m not sure
1 Like
Weird! I have no idea then.
1 Like
Could the light be used by the wingman to illuminate the leaders tailfin to inform the intercepted pilot about who he/she is being intercepted by?
Like a police officer showing his/her badge before saying: You are under arrest.
Just guessing …
1 Like
Unfortunately my grandpa passed away a few months ago. He was a radar operator at North Bay and was tasked with getting interceptors on target during the Cold War, he might have known the purpose of the lights.
@Uncle-Heavy might be on too something
1 Like