To effect visual or electronic contact by a friendly aircraft with another aircraft. Normally, the air intercept is conducted in the following five phases:

a. Climb phase - Airborne to cruising altitude. B. Maneuver phase - Receipt of initial vector to target until beginning transition to attack speed and altitude. C. Transition phase - Increase or decrease of speed and altitude required for the attack. D. Attack phase - Turn to attack heading, acquire target, complete attack, and turn to breakaway heading. E. Recovery phase - Breakaway to landing. See also close-controlled air interception.