Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

234 SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-ONE
Figure 5-16. One-versus-Two Engaged Maneuvering
such an endeavor requires energy tactics. As described in earier chapters,
energy tactics involve a rather protracted process of very predictable turns
to deplete the opponent's energy, then some sort of zoom climb at a critical
moment to convert an energy margin into a position advantage. Against
bogeys using double attack doctrine, this process may be allowed to continue
for a while, since the engaged bogey usually will appear to be winning
the fight in the early stages. The free bogey in this case can be expected to
stay out of the fight, but it will have the opportunity to conserve its energy.
Energy tactics require the pilot of the singleton to devote very close
attention to the engaged bogey and his own performance, which hinders
keeping track of the free bogey. When the proper time for the zoom is
reached,the high-energy free bogey may very well be in a position to
threaten. Almost superhuman technique and lots of luck would be required
for the pilot of the single fighter to time his zoom consistently so as
to be immune from both bogeys. Bogey missiles make this process even
more hazardous, as the bogeys' look-up shots against a very slow speed
target are likely to be superior to the singleton's look-down opportunities.
It is also very difficult to mask an aircraft in the sun against two widely
separated bogeys.
If the bogeys employ loose deuce techniques, the very predictability and
time involved in energy tactics will usually allow a well-flown free bogey
to reach an effective offensive position, often undetected. In light of these
realities it is not recommended that the high-wing-loaded fighter attempt