Figure 7-3 The Cruise Position

CHAPTER SEVEN

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

Figure 7-3 The Cruise Position

The goal of Cruise for Wing is to use radius-of-turn and pursuit curve principles to maintain the

defined stepdown, bearing line, and relative closeness without adjusting power. Wing will only

use power as a last resort to regain position. If Wing gets out of position in either turns or

straight and level, he will correct position by fixing stepdown first, then offset, and finally

relative closeness. Wing should strive to maintain the 45 bearing line, but may slide to the left

or right side as required to maintain position.

Cruise Turns Into. The goal for Wing on turns into is to maintain stepdown and proper nose-

to-tail separation. Wing will initially need to maneuver to Lead's tail momentarily (lag pursuit)

to prevent closing on Lead, and then should maneuver to the inside of Lead's turn (lead pursuit)

to hold position. Once established in the turn, lead and lag are used as required to maintain

position. Too long of a delay in the initial lag can result in the Wingman being "spit out" of the

turn. Lead's rate of roll will determine whether a slight lag outside or an expeditious roll to

inside of Lead's turn will be required. A good reference for turns-into is to line up Lead's

horizontal stabilizer with the red line portion of the star on Lead's fuselage (Figure 7-4).

7-4 CRUISE FORMATION