Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

126 ONE-VERSUS-ONE MANEUVERING, SIMILAR AIRCRAFT
Instead, the energy tactician normally should attempt to escape after a
missed shot by use of a nose-to-tail extension, as depicted in Figure 3-12.
This can be done by diving toward the bogey's six o'clock position (time
"2"), then beginning a gradual rolling pull-out while turning slightly in the
nose-to-tail direction in an attempt to reach a heading approximately 180°
from that of the bogey (time "3"). During the pull-out, care should be taken
not to cross the bogey's tail, since this would encourage the bogey pilot to
reverse his turn direction. If the bogey does reverse, the energy fighter must
also reverse to reinitiate the nose-to-tail condition, and then continue the
extension. The gradual pull-out is continued until the energy fighter
reaches a shallow diving attitude, at which time the pilot should concentrate
on accelerating rapidly to gain separation, while he turns only enough
to keep the bogey in sight deep in the rear quarter. This diving acceleration
should be continued to gain maximum speed at the lowest possible altitude
to shrink the opponent's missile envelope. The extending pilot must
attempt to keep the opponent in sight as long as possible and only turn
back if a missile shot is observed within apparent range limits. This
technique forces the bogey pilot to turn greater than 180° (after time "2") to
place his aircraft's nose on the energy fighter, often providing sufficient
time for separation beyond max-range limits.
Comparison of Angles and Energy Tactics
The firing opportunities offered by energy tactics usually involve lookdown
conditions. To the contrary, those presented to the opponent are
more often look-up shots, more desirable for many weapons. Off-boresight
weapons present even greater danger for an energy fighter. Considering all
the hazards and disadvantages of energy tactics in this scenario, they are
Figure 3-12. Disengagement Maneuver