Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

248 SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-TWO
Figures 6-1 and 6-2. At the conclusion of each attack, whether it was
successful or not, the section can quickly rejoin in an effective defensive
formation (usually combat spread), then either disengage or maneuver to
return for another attack. If tapped during this defensive interval, the
section can employ one of the techniques illustrated by Figures 5-4
through 5-8 (defensive splits, sandwich, etc.).
The purpose of this method is to place the greatest possible offensive
pressure on the bogeys while minimizing the risks of becoming separated
into probably fatal one-versus-one engagements. If an attempt is made to
remain offensively engaged for an extended period with multiple bogeys,
particularly with smaller and more maneuverable bogeys, there is a very
high risk of an unseen attack on one fighter at a vulnerable moment. By
striking quickly and then rejoining for defensive mutual support, the
section reduces the probability of separation, and it is better able to defend
against unexpected attacks.
One of the disadvantages of this method, however, is that in reforming
for better defense, the attackers usually place the bogey (or bogeys) in an
offensive position behind the section, and in many cases the enemy will be
lost from sight. This is certainly an undesirable situation, and, depending
on the bogeys' weapons, disengagement may be the best choice at this
point, particularly if the fighters have a speed advantage. Returning to face
an all-aspect missile threat from multiple unseen bogeys is generally not
conducive to reaching retirement age.
Section Reversal Techniques. Against less formidable opposition, such
as when one bogey has been eliminated and the remaining opponent is not
equipped with all-aspect missiles, a reattack may be much less hazardous.
At this point a technique is needed for reversing the course of a section
in formation. The prime consideration in development of this tactic
should be defensive mutual support. Figure 6-3 illustrates some common
methods.
With the in-place turn both fighters turn in the same direction simultaneously.
In this example the fighters begin at time "1" in combat spread,
either co-altitude or with an altitude split. The pilot on the left turns away
from his wingman and will usually lose sight of him between times "I"
and "2," regaining sight between times "2" and "3," after the wingman
crosses behind and pulls to the inside of the turn. This reversal offers
reasonable visual cover to the fighter originally on the side of the turn, but
it places the other fighter in trail and out of sight during most of the
reversal. An attack on the trailing fighter at time "2," for instance, could be
disastrous.
The next example is the cross turn, in which each fighter turns inward,
toward its wingman. The fighters meet nose-to-nose just prior to time "2"
and continue their turns until they are reestablished line abreast at time
"3." This turn provides better visual coverage for the fighters throughout
the reversal, since each pilot can see the other aircraft except for possibly a
few seconds after they cross. Neither fighter is well positioned for the
pilots to offer other than visual and moral support, however, at any time
between when the fighters cross and then regain combat spread at about