Heading meaning

[Wolverine]

When I see written on my monitor:
Spitfire. Heading: 150. Altitude: 1500 meters does that mean there is a Spitfire flying at 1500 meters and it's somewhere around me going at the direction 150?

It is the "heading" that I'm not sure its meaning. Does that mean the aircraft is coming from 150 degree or going at 150 degree?


Thank you to enlighten me.


Cheers, Claude

[Jeast]

It means that the Spit is at your bearing 150. So if you turn towards bearing 150, you are flying directly towards him.

[Wolverine]

Thank you very much for the information. It is very appreciated. :)

Cheers, Claude

[TWC_SLAG]

I think "heading" means the plane is flying that direction. As in it is heading that way. "Bearing" means you would fly on that heading to intercept it. Tab 4-1 gives heading, altitude, and a distance from some landmark. Tab 7-1 gives a bearing and distance from your location.

badfinger

[ATAG_Dave]

When I see written on my monitor:
Spitfire. Heading: 150. Altitude: 1500 meters does that mean there is a Spitfire flying at 1500 meters and it's somewhere around me going at the direction 150?



Cheers, Claude

That means the spitfire is heading on a course of 150 (ie it does not mean you need to fly a course of 150 for intercept). As opposed to tab71 when the bearing it gives is the heading you should take for intercept (based on current locations).

[PanTast]

Normally when you get the altitude and the heading of an enemy plane, you also get a grid reference (AX22). This is a random call out from ground control.

The Tab-7-1 never gives grid references or altitudes. Only a position relative to your position (bearing) and a distance.

Every distance above 15 miles (RED) or 30 km (BLUE) is uncertain.