Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-ONE 211
Figure 5-7. The Half-Split (Bogey Attacks Extending Fighter)
tics and relied heavily on teamwork between and among sections of two
fighters. The classic defensive tactic of this time was known as the beam
defense maneuver or, more commonly, the "Thatch weave," after LCDR
John Thatch, who introduced it. Figure 5-8 shows how it worked.
At time "I" the fighters are in a fairly wide (about 1,000 ft for the F4F)
combat-spread formation when the northern fighter is attacked. The
fighters immediately turn hard toward each other. In the case illustrated
the bogey presses its attack on the northern fighter and is met almost
head-on at time "2" by the free fighter with all guns blazing. The Wildcat
pilots were more than happy to go toe-to-toe with a Zero in this manner
because of greater firepower and a more durable aircraft. Navy pilots were
also well trained in high-deflection shooting and forward-quarter attacks.
After meeting his wingman (time "2"), the defending pilot uses his
superior roll rate to reverse his turn quickly to set up another pass with his
wingman, who also reverses. This technique generates repetitive firing
passes against the bogey, and it also allows the defender to offer protection
to his wingman, should he come under attack by a second bogey. The
secrets to this tactic lie in the initial wide line-abreast formation (separation
greater than fighter turn radius) and heavy gun firepower. Because of
the short-range high-aspect shots provided, this technique would not be
appropriate for fighters equipped only with RQ missiles, or even all-aspect
missiles, unless they have very good min-range capabilities. In such scenarios,
the sandwich or half-split probably would be better. In the situation
for which it was developed, however, the Thatch weave was very effective.
It could also be considered the forerunner of a new engaged doctrine for
fighters known as "loose deuce," which is covered later in this chapter.