What does the term "CRANK" imply in military maneuvers?

The term "CRANK" in military maneuvers specifically refers to the action of illuminating a target at radar limits. This is a critical tactic employed by military aircraft, particularly in the context of keeping an enemy target engaged and tracked effectively while managing the limitations of radar systems. By illuminating a target, aircraft can enhance the effectiveness of munitions and improve targeting accuracy during engagements.

The other options involve different aspects of military tactics. Evading enemy fire is a strategic maneuver that may be described in various contexts but does not represent the specific action of "CRANK." Breaking formation pertains to altering the flight arrangement of friendly aircraft, which is unrelated to the radar targeting context implied by "CRANK." Changing altitude is a maneuver used to evade threats or optimize performance but again does not align with the precise definition of the term as it relates to radar operations.