General
padlocked
What does padlocked mean?
A brevity code indicating aircrew cannot take their eyes off an aircraft, ground target, or surface position without risking loss of the tally or visual.
""I'm padlocked on the leader — you clear our six.""
Origin
Multiservice tactical brevity code used in air combat.
Frequently asked questions
What does "padlocked" mean for a pilot?
It means the aircrew can't take their eyes off a contact without risking losing sight of it, so they're locked onto that target and can't scan elsewhere.
Why is being padlocked a problem?
Because the pilot is committed to watching one contact, they can't check other threats — so they'll ask a wingman to clear their six and cover the rest of the sky.
Where does the term come from?
It's a multiservice tactical brevity code, the imagery being that the pilot's eyes are "locked" onto the target like a padlock.
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