Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

ONE-VERSUS-ONE MANEUVERING, SIMILAR AIRCRAFT 131
After a pilot recognizes that he is at a disadvantage (and the successful
fighter pilot must be able to recognize this situation), he must assess the
type and magnitude of that disadvantage. An angular advantage is pretty
easy to see: The fighter that has its nose pointed closer to its opponent has
the angular advantage. The magnitude of this advantage is simply the
difference in the turns required by each fighter to point at the other. As
explained earlier, the magnitude of this angular advantage is most easily
assessed when one fighter is pointing directly at the other (its AON equals
zero), since that leaves only one angle to estimate.
An energy advantage can be much more difficult to recognize and assess
than an angular advantage. An energy advantage can be in the form of
excess speed, altitude, or both. An altitude advantage is easy to see, but
determining a total energy advantage can be difficult because of possible
speed differences between fighters. Particularly in slow-speed situations,
however, the higher aircraft must be assumed to have an energy margin
unless the pilot of the lower fighter has some reason to believe his aircraft
is significantly faster. Speed differences can be very difficult to determine.
Probably the most effective method of assessment is for the pilot to
observe the bogey's maneuvers in relation to his own, as explained in
conjunction with energy tactics. With similar aircraft, the one that turns
hardest bleeds the most airspeed, etc. When the fighters are below corner
speed, instantaneous turn rate can be a good indication, since the faster
fighter will generally turn faster. Nose-to-nose turns provide perhaps the
best measure of relative speed. In this situation, unless one fighter has a
significant angular advantage, a faster opponent will appear to move forward
along the horizon, and vice versa. In addition, when similar fighters
are maneuvering at near their maximum capabilities, the slower one will
normally remain inside the flight path of the faster aircraft in nose-to-nose
turns.
Unfortunately, when he is taken by surprise, the pilot may not have the
luxury of making a safe, quick energy comparison. Probably the surest
method is an immediate zoom climb to zero airspeed. Then, assuming the
bogey does likewise, the fighter that tops out highest has the most energy
(i.e., all energy is converted to altitude, where differences are readily
apparent). A zooming contest is not wise, however, if a pilot is unsure of
his relative energy state, since he will be in serious trouble at the top if he
falls off first.
A MiG at your six is better than no MiG at all.
Unknown U.S. Fighter Pilot
Maneuvering with an Angular Disadvantage
The first point for a pilot to remember when he is at a disadvantage of any
kind is to avoid panicking. It's never too late for a fighter pilot until he's
dead, and then he won't care anyway. Very few good moves are generated
in panic, so careful, deliberate maneuvering is in order. Secondly, the
defensive pilot should not attempt to go directly from the defense to the
offense. The first goal should be to regain neutrality without being shot. At