ground alert

noun

, Military.

1. the state of waiting for orders in or near combat airplanes ready to take to the air at once.
2. the aircraft standing by during a ground alert.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground alert¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

In addition, the new proposals will speed up the program to put half of SAC's bombers on 15-minute ground alert.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reason: any change in a plane's ground alert status is regarded as "uncocking" and lessens the alert capability.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the same time, SAC greatly increased the number of B-52 bombers�usually about 50%�on 15-minute ground alert.

From Time Magazine Archive