What is the turn angle for a VS search?

• A. 120 degrees to the right
• B. 90 degrees to the right
• C. 60 degrees to the right
• D. 180 degrees

Answer: (A)

In a VS visual search, you structure the scans with fixed, predictable turns so you cover the area efficiently without leaving gaps. The turn angle chosen is 120 degrees to the right because it lets each sweep reach a broad arc while maintaining a safe overlap with the previous pass. That overlap is crucial: it means anything near the edge of one pass is likely picked up on the next, reducing the chance of missing a contact. A smaller angle would require more passes and more time to cover the same area, increasing fatigue and the risk of missing something. A larger angle, like 180 degrees, would create bigger gaps between sweeps and leave portions of the arc unscanned. Keeping the turns to the right at 120 degrees provides a good balance between speed, coverage, and ease of re-acquiring targets.