Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

APPENDIX 391
Figure A-2. Aircraft Turn Performance
maximized by high G at slow speed. Since the V-n diagram of a fighter
specifies its G capabilities at various speeds, it is possible to determine
turn-rate and -radius performance throughout the aircraft's speed range.
Figure A-3 is a depiction of the way typical fighter turn-performance varies
with airspeed.
In the case of turn rate, the rapid rise in G capability as speed increases
above Vs (as shown by the lift boundary in the V-n diagram) leads to
improved instantaneous-turn-rate performance, culminating at Vc. Since
load factor is limited by structural considerations, however, further increases
in airspeed above Vc result in reduced turn rate. Typical fighter
turn-radius performance also is degraded (i.e., RT increases) at speeds above
Vc. Although absolute minimum instantaneous turn radius is usually
found at speeds considerably below Vc, little change can be expected in RT