Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-ONE 213
engaged fighter may be able to maneuver so as to make it easier for the
free fighter to gain an offensive position, as illustrated in Figures 5-4
through 5-8.
The advantages of double attack doctrine over fighting wing doctrine
are considerable. Offensively, it is much more efficient and effective to
allow the fighters to split. The bracket attack can be absolutely devastating.
In an engagement, the division of roles allows the engaged pilot more
tactical latitude than he has in fighting wing. He does not have to be
concerned with out-maneuvering his wingman and becoming separated.
In addition, he is now free to use either angles or energy tactics as appropriate.
By using these methods, a pair of fighters can defeat even a more
capable adversary. One pilot attacks the bogey, causing it to bleed energy,
until he can no longer maintain an offensive advantage. Then the engaged
pilot calls his wingman down to assume the attack and the cycle is
repeated. The bogey is forced to fight each fighter in rapid succession and is
denied an opportunity to regain lost energy. Meanwhile the free fighter is
building energy for a fresh attack. Eventually the opponent is worn down
in this manner until he no longer can successfully defend himself. His
preoccupation with his current partner may also cause him to lose sight of
the free fighter, resulting in a more effective unseen attack on the next
cycle.
Defensively, double attack is also superior, particularly in a missiles
environment. The wider cruise formations allowable provide better visual
coverage of the vulnerable rear hemisphere and give the fighters more
maneuvering room to support each other when they are attacked. Greater
lateral and vertical separation between fighters also makes it less likely
that both will be seen by an attacker. Also, since the wingman is not
required to stay behind the leader once engaged, he can more comfortably
maintain a line-abreast cruise formation, which provides better visual
mutual support. Once the leader is engaged, the free-fighter pilot can be
much more effective defensively, since less of his attention is required for
maintaining position. The section's option to split when attacked makes it
very difficult for a bogey to press an attack on one fighter without quickly
being threatened by the other.
Double attack is not all roses, however. This doctrine requires more
training, experience, and judgment on the part of the wingman than does
fighting wing. Communications are also more critical, especially if the
section has not fought together extensively. The lack or loss of a radio, or
communications jamming, can hinder coordination and greatly reduce
double attack effectiveness. Another possibility that must be considered
in a hostile environment is the wild-card bogey. Two-versus-one engagements
can quickly become two-versus-two or two-versus-many. If the
pilot of the free fighter is attacked and forced to defend himself, the
engaged fighter may be left without support at a critical moment, resulting
in two one-versus-one engagements. Because of the greater separation
between the fighters and their widely varying directions of flight in double
attack, it is considerably easier for hostile aircraft to split the section,
breaking down the mutual support. For the same reasons, double attack