Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

328 FIGHTER MISSIONS
pattern gives the best sensor coverage of the threat sector, but coverage in
this pattern generally averages less than 50 percent of total station time.
Coverage may be increased somewhat by flying more slowly on the outbound
leg and faster on the inbound leg, but endurance will suffer with this
technique. The lengths of the straight-line segments should be maximized
and turning minimized in the pattern, as hard or frequent turns reduce
endurance. Probably a better technique, when the enemy must be detected
visually, is to fly a "figure-8" pattern oriented perpendicular to the threat
axis. If all turns are made toward the threat, the defending fighter can stay
in one area and never have its tail turned directly toward the enemy. This
technique should provide the pilot with continuous visual coverage in the
threat direction.
Patrol speed for fighters on CAP station is optimally near maxendurance
speed for the given conditions of weight, configuration, etc.
This guideline may have to be modified, however, if surprise enemy fighter
attack is a probability. Higher airspeeds may be prudent, even with reduced
endurance, for defensive maneuvering potential. It is also advisable
under these conditions to vary the pattern regularly so that enemy fighter
attacks are not aided by the predictability of the CAP.
There are seldom enough aircraft to maintain what the defense would
consider an adequate number of CAPs. In order to stretch the available
assets as far as possible, the number of fighters assigned to any CAP station
is usually small. Two per station, however, should be considered minimal
if enemy fighter resistance is expected. The numbers factor is one of the
weak points in the CAP defense concept, as small isolated CAPs can easily
be neutralized or destroyed by more powerful enemy fighter sweeps or
fighter escort. Small CAPs are also usually inadequate to oppose strong
massed attacks. Greater numbers are normally required to spread the
Figure 9-1. Race-Track CAP Pattern