Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWC-VERSUS-ONE 223
and dives, can be employed for signaling. Other visual signals, such as
dumping a little fuel, jettisoning external fuel tanks, and creating burner
puffs have also been used. During World War I, before installation of radios
in fighters, even color-coded flare pistols were widely employed as signaling
devices.
In the air you cannot find a general or a colonel. Who has the most kills, he
was the leader. ... It worked very well in the war.
Colonel Erich "Bubi" Hartmann, GAP
The complexities of both double attack and loose deuce doctrine require
a high degree of pilot training and experience to be effective. While the
wingman in fighting wing doctrine has few responsibilities other than
formation flying and defensive lookout, this is certainly not the case in the
more advanced doctrines. Particularly with loose deuce, a high level of
responsibility, skill, and judgment are required of both pilots. For greatest
efficiency members of the section should constantly train, talk, eat, and
sleep together. Each team member must know what the other is thinking,
what he will do in various situations, his strengths and weaknesses. This
intimate knowledge also serves to reduce some of the communication
requirements in combat.
One has to know one's flying partner.
Baron Manfred von Richthofen
One-versus-Two Maneuvering
The foregoing discussions have demonstrated the power and effectiveness
of two fighters operating in mutual support against a single adversary. But
what about the other side of the coin? How can a single fighter survive and
even prevail when outnumbered two-to-one? The answer is "Very carefully!"
First of all the pilot of the singleton must realize when he is
engaging two opponents that he has already broken one of the cardinal
rules of air warfare: Do not engage without advantage. This sage piece of
advice can be ignored only at great risk. In this case the singleton pilot is
outnumbered, so he already has one strike against him and can ill afford
another. He must weigh all the tactical factors carefully and attempt to
optimize them in his favor.
Offensive Maneuvering
One should force the battle upon the enemy, not have the battle forced upon
oneself.
Major Sholto Douglas, RAF
6 Victories, WW-I
(Marshal of the RAF during WW-II)
Surprise and offensive advantage are two of the most important factors to
consider. The singleton pilot should stalk his victims carefully and attain a
favorable position before committing to the attack. High in the section's
rear hemisphere, out of the sun, is a favorite position. From such a perch
the fighter may be able to dive on the section unseen, close quickly, and