Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWO-VERSUS-TWO 255
Figure 6-8. Two-versus-Two Engagement (Conclusion)
In analyzing this engagement, the value of the first visual contact with
the enemy, which takes place in Figure 6-5, is evident. This early "tallyho"
gave the friendly section the initiative to begin an offensive bracket of the
hostile section before the reverse situation could occur. As discussed
previously, the bracket attack, or offensive split, is one of the tactics
associated with both double attack and loose deuce doctrines. The enemy
section's response to this attack indicates that its leader probably has only
one fighter in sight, and the fact that the wingman followed his leader with
no apparent attempt to split or bracket the eastern attacker could mean
that he does not have either fighter visually, or the bogey section might
intend to employ fighting wing tactics.
Once the bogey section begins its turn to the east, the pilot of the
western fighter must cut short his bracket maneuver and reverse quickly
to avoid being placed outside missile range. Note that he fires at high
angle-off on the target's belly-side, not waiting for the dead-six shot. As
discussed previously, the belly-side shot can be deadly with a nominally
rear-quarter AAM at medium range. Following the shot, the shooter makes
a very common mistake in watching the weapon all the way to the target
and then watching the bogey explode. This practice tends to give the
shooter tunnel vision, leading to his loss of situational awareness. A better
technique might be a quick unloaded roll to the left immediately following
the shot to get a visual check of his own belly-side just in case a third,
unobserved, bogey or a hostile missile is threatening. After this quick