Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-ONE 227
Figure 5-12 illustrates one method of attacking a section in combat
spread. In this scenario the bogey section is in combat spread, with the
wingman stepped-up on the right flank. At time "I" the fighter dives on
the wingman from a position high and slightly outside the section. Aside
from the reasons already discussed, an attack from outside the section on
the wingman's side was chosen here for several other reasons. First, this
area receives less visual attention from the pilot of the target aircraft, since
his primary area of responsibility is inward, toward the six o'clock region
of the leader and the section as a whole. Second, such an approach increases
the range between the attacker and the section leader on the far
side of the formation and presents him with a reduced aircraft profile, both
of which limit the chances of the attacker being detected by the leader.
Third, this angle of approach provides good visibility of both bogeys
throughout the attack.
Always above, seldom on the same level, never underneath.
Major Edward "Mick" Mannock, RAF
In this example the attack is detected just as the fighter approaches
maximum missile-firing range, and the target breaks. If possible, the
attacker should put a missile in the air at this point, even if he is still out of
parameters, just to give the target bogey something to think about other
than mutual support. Whether the initial attack succeeds or not, the dive
will carry the attacker through the section and down toward the next
target (or threat). In this case both bogeys break into the attack, allowing
the fighter to slide down onto the leader, who has been thrown into trail.
This is a very advantageous situation for the attacker, since he can now
work on the leader while keeping track of the wingman on the same side of
the aircraft. The wingman's position out in front will leave the singleton
Figure 5-12. Attacking a Section in Combat Spread