Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

114 ONE-VERSUS-ONE MANEUVERING, SIMILAR AIRCRAFT
with a large AON that must be reduced to zero in order to satisfy aiming
constraints. Before this can be achieved, a target with comparable turn rate
will probably have increased AOT beyond firing limits once more. This
situation highlights the value of missile off-boresight capability.
A further difficulty arises from the min-range boundary in conjunction
with an AOT limit and a maneuvering target. Figure 3-6 illustrates the
"envelope rotation effect." This figure depicts a maneuvering target at
times "I" and "2" along with the missile-firing envelopes appropriate to
its positions at those times. Although depicted here in two dimensions,
the envelopes are actually three-dimensional cone segments rather than
flat planes. The centers (hearts) of these envelopes are also shown, as well
as the track required if the attacker is to maintain position at the center of
the firing envelope. Normally an attacker is not required to maintain such
a rigid position, but this example serves to illustrate the movement of the
RQ missile-firing envelope and the effects of target turn rate and range on
that movement. In addition to the velocity of the target itself, the envelope
rotates at a speed proportional to target turn rate times range. The faster
the target's speed and turn rate, and the greater the missile's min-range
limit, the more difficult it is for the attacker to maneuver into, and remain
inside of, the firing envelope for any length of time.
Because of the combined effects of the flight path-nose position interrelationship
and the envelope rotation effect, tactics designed for the use of
RQ missiles against similar aircraft usually focus on reducing target turnrate
capability to a minimum while retaining a performance advantage for
the attacker. Energy tactics are uniquely suited to this purpose. Since
Figure 3-6. Envelope-Rotation Effect