SEAD
"The Suppression of Enemy Air Defences mission also known unusually as a 'Wild Weasel' is of vital importance if other missions are to take place when the enemy is in possession of SAM (Surface to Air Missiles) which increasingly even the smallest guerrilla army has these days.  Their are two ways that this mission will be flown: as an 'intimate HARM shooter flying reasonably close to and part of another mission, or as a separate mission where usually two aircraft will fly high above and some way ahead of other missions.  The first aircraft will carry more weapons and will act as 'a tempting SAM target,' lower and ahead of the second aircraft which will watch for any radar site that tries to lock onto the first aircraft.  To counter this radar operators will spend the main part of their time switched off, switching back on at intervals for a 'look around,' however the position of a radar which has 'lit up' will be remembered and can be attacked.  If no radar dares to switch on then the mission is still a succ
ess.  The mission frequently flown by an F4 / F16 team is now flown mainly by later F16's, and F18's, though the F22 will have a secondary SEAD role."
















