Tail-Chase Exercise

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

CHAPTER EIGHT

Keys to Success

Lead should conduct the first turn into Wing to better enable Dash-2 to firmly establish

their position.

If Wing is out of position, Lead should give a turn into instead of a turn away.

Lead should avoid airspeed in excess of 200 KIAS in order to preserve energy.

Wing needs to anticipate turns and use lead, lag, or pure pursuit to maintain position inside

of leads turn.

806. TAIL-CHASE EXERCISE

Introduction. Tail-chase is probably the most challenging maneuver in the Cruise formation

syllabus. Tail-chase incorporates everything that you have learned about bearing lines, pursuit

curves, and energy management and uses these tools in three dimensions. The goal of this

exercise is to demonstrate the effects of lead, lag and pure pursuit on nose-to-tail distance. The

goal for Lead is to provide a smooth platform so that Wing can maintain position. Lead will

execute a series of maneuvers, maintaining airspeed between 100 to 200 KIAS. The goal for

Wing is to use lead, lag, pure pursuit, and power as required to maintain the aircraft 600 to 800

feet behind Lead's six o'clock position.

Collision Avoidance. Each aircrew member shares the responsibility for collision avoidance.

The wingman should always be "visual" on Lead so he retains primary responsibility for

deconfliction between the aircraft. This responsibility transfers to the flight lead if the wingman

becomes blind or is placed in a blind position during maneuvering.

Lead Considerations. Lead is responsible for maneuvering the formation within the working

area and at an energy level that is conducive to high angle of bank maneuvering. The concepts

below will help to ensure success.

Begin in the middle of the airspace with good energy. Tail-chase requires a lot of vertical

maneuvering. Using a ground reference in the middle of the area or along the area boundary is

not required but will help you to stay orientated.

As Lead, never pull more than 3 Gs, never get slower than 100 KIAS nor faster than 200

KIAS. This will preserve energy and allow Dash-2 to maintain position.

Lead should monitor Wing during the maneuvers. If Dash-2 is out of position, Lead should

execute the next maneuver into Wing to provide better angles to get back into position.

Tail Chase may not be accomplished below 5000 feet AGL. If either aircraft descends

below 5000 feet AGL, a "KNOCK-IT-OFF" shall be called.

CRUISE MANEUVERING 8-7