Some changes have just been made to the process for designating EMDAR contacts.

Previously it was assumed a single contact would be created and constantly updated during the process of refining its location. The designation was used to indicate the target's posture (friendly, hostile, neutral, unknown).

But as we've completed a number of tactical simulations, we've found its more useful to lay down a number of contacts per target - usually whenever we spot EMDAR patterns consistent with engine use (acceleration, braking or maneuvering). The pattern formed by those contacts may provide clues to the target's course, which could help further refine location. Especially with the addition of the tactical overlay.

This is the process used by NJ in his Encounter at P3M-F53T blog.

Under the new system, designations are now used to link contacts to their (suspected) target. This really becomes useful when you're dealing with multiple targets - you can quickly spot which contact is associated with which target. The contacts are colour-coded by designation when displayed on the tactical overlay. The markup tool even has matching colours for when you're projecting courses of different targets.

It's still possible to use designations to indicate posture, where that's relevant. It's recommended that TANGO is used for 'threat' posture and BRAVO is used for 'friendly'. The Conn just needs to make clear which designation procedure is in use.

You'll also notice that the designations FOXTROT and ULTRA have been replaced. You could speculate why those letters were removed... I have some ideas.