Field Notes · Glossary 27 Aug 2026
FOX 1, FOX 2, FOX 3
Three launch calls that tell the formation a missile is in flight and identify its guidance family.
FOX is an air-to-air missile launch call. The number tells the formation which guidance family is involved: FOX 1 for semi-active radar guidance, FOX 2 for infrared guidance and FOX 3 for active radar guidance.
The call is not a celebration and it is not a request for permission. It is shared situational awareness: a weapon has left the aircraft, and everyone listening can adjust geometry, sensors and follow-up calls accordingly.
In multiplayer simulation, the useful habit is to make the call clearly and at the moment of launch. Radio theatre can wait; the formation needs the fact.