Type 2 CAS is used when JTAC is unable to visually acquire the aircraft at weapons release or unable to acquire the target. Which option matches this description?

• A. JTAC uses radio only
• B. JTAC always visually acquires both aircraft and target
• C. JTAC engages without clearance
• D. JTAC unable to visually acquire aircraft at weapons release OR unable to acquire target

Answer: (D)

When there is no visual contact to verify either the aircraft or the target at the moment of weapons release, the engagement falls under CAS Type 2. In this mode, the JTAC cannot confirm the target or the aircraft by sight, so control is conducted using non-visual information: the target location is typically designated by coordinates or a prebriefed reference point, and the aircraft rely on navigation and sensor data to find and engage the target. The JTAC still authorizes and coordinates the strike, but with deconfliction and timing based on the prebriefed data rather than visual confirmation. This is precisely why the description fits Type 2 CAS. The other options describe scenarios that involve visual confirmation or actions (like engaging without clearance) that do not define Type 2.