Figure 9-8 T-2C E-M Diagram

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERING (BFM) THEORY

CHAPTER NINE

Maneuver

Performance

AOA or "g"

Ps (Energy change)

Engaging turn

Sustained performance

12-14 Units AOA

Hard turn

Optimum

15-17 Units AOA

Negative (loss)

Break turn

Max Instantaneous turn rate

17.5 Units AOA

Negative (loss)

Unload

Optimum energy addition

0 "g"*

Positive (addition)

*T-2C NATOPS limits 0 "G" maneuvering to 30 seconds.

Bottom Line: If an aircraft is not turned at its best-sustained turn rate, the aircraft is either

gaining or losing energy. Circumstances in an engagement may make a sacrifice (or addition) in

energy necessary.

Energy And Maneuverability Diagram

Thus far, we have discussed BFM in terms of operational maneuverability (section 2) and energy

management (section 3). An aircraft's Energy and Maneuverability (E-M) diagram is an

excellent way to graphically see the relationship between these two dynamics.

The T-2C E-M Diagram

An aircraft's E-M diagram is a comprehensive picture of many of the parameters discussed.

Figure 9-8 shows the T-2C E-M diagram.

Figure 9-8 T-2C E-M Diagram

9-13

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERING (BFM) THEORY